ATHENS, Alabama — Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and one thing that can really help our local seniors is finding ways to stay connected with others. There are senior centers all across North Alabama, and today senior citizens in Athens put their skills on display today with a game of dominoes.
Athens Activity Center senior citizen Paul Irons said it's all about fellowship. "I'm 87, and I started down here I believe it was may 9 of last year." Irons likes to consider himself a regular in attendance at the activity center, every Monday - Thursday. "A lot of people don't have anything to do and stay home or, you know, don't have no fellowship with people unless you're talking on a telephone or something like that. but down here, man, you get to do everything you want to."
Athens Activity Center Director Amy Golden added that these are just a few of the things they do each week to keep seniors up and moving. "Holt Road comes out and sings with us on Tuesdays. Bobby Taylor and the Athens Opry. They're here Thursdays every Thursday, and Mondays. Wednesdays. dancer size. and you don't want to miss that."
Golden said senior citizens are a vital part our community and society, and for anyone... senior citizen or not... "If you're inactive, if you don't think or talk or read or communicate with other human beings, you you become isolated."
Irons agrees and encourages any and everyone to find a place like this because," …I just enjoy it, and this fellowship with the people. It changed my life because I didn't have nothing to do really after I retired."