AgeSmart Blog
For Immediate Release Date: September 24, 2020
O’Fallon, IL – AgeSmart Community Resources announces that its Senior Skip Day Program recently received a 2020 Aging Innovations Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The awards program is supported by Centene. Senior Skip Day, in partnership with Greenville University, provided a day of service pairing older adults with college students, was among the top 17 of 44 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a Virtual Conference & Tradeshow, September 22.
The 2020 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes n4a’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs members that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
“n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and remarkable group of Area Agencies on Aging. We salute all those who have enhanced the prestige of this awards program by sharing their innovative initiatives with their peers in the Aging Network,” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a.
Senior Skip Day, was initiated to bring students and older adults together, prevent social isolation, and bridge the gap between generations. Students were matched with seniors in their community and volunteered to provide much needed assistance at the homes of older adults. Students participated in activities including yard work, painting, small repair projects, gardening and cleaning. “Seeing the interaction between the students and the older adults was heartwarming. It provided a great learning experience for all participants. Reaching out and supporting our older adults builds a stronger and healthier community.” said Joy Paeth, CEO of AgeSmart Community Resources.
