Morgan Hill is designated an Age-Friendly City
Published in the September 26 – October 9, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Sky Bergman’s “Lives Well Lived” film will be shown during Healthy Aging Week.
South Valley seniors, get ready for the 2018 Healthy Aging Week held Oct. 8 to Oct. 11 at various locations in Morgan Hill. The city has a host of events planned for the week focused on helping adults 50 and older and families enjoy health and wellness, fitness activities, workshops, family fun, delicious food, giveaways and more.
All events take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Centennial Recreation Senior Center, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, Morgan Hill Grange and the Morgan Hill Playhouse. For a complete list of events, visit www.morganhilllife.com/2018/09/17/2018-healthy-aging-week-oct-8-to-oct-12-at-centennial-recreation-center.
Morgan Hill is now designated an Age-Friendly City because it has evolved into a highly desirable place for seniors to live their golden years. The city has grown and now includes a number of neighborhood parks for the enjoyment of residents. Some of the locations for active senior citizens to find recreation opportunities are The Anderson Lake County Park, Coyote Creek Parkway, Henry W. Coe State Park, Uvas Canyon County Park, Galvan Park, Morgan Hill Community Park, Centennial Recreation Center, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, Morgan Hill Aquatic Center, and the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center.
The World Health Organization compiled a list of services that influence a resident’s quality of life as they age. Eight key elements were identified through this process as areas that require a conscious effort to create an age-friendly community: housing, transportation, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, and outdoor spaces and buildings. These results launched WHO’s Global Age-Friendly Cities initiative and serve as foundation for the designation that has been established.
In an Age-Friendly City, policies, services, settings and structures enable and support people as they grow older to live healthy and vibrant lives. Age-Friendly ideals optimize opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age.
Some of the upcoming events include a Hawaiian-themed dance with a live hula performance, free screening of the award-winning films, “Lives Well Lived” and “Sue’s Story,” guided interpretative hikes, a bocce ball tournament, and a Senior Resource Fair.
