(Lawrenceville, GA., April 25, 2017) Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR) in partnership with Health and Human Services and Live Healthy Gwinnett is celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM) in May. Since 1963, OAM has been a time to celebrate older Americans, their stories, and their contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the annual observance offers a special opportunity to learn about, support, and recognize our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” emphasizes the ways older adults are living their lives with boldness, confidence, and passion while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages.

GCPR will highlight how older adults in our community are redefining aging through recreation interests, taking charge of their health and staying independent for as long as possible. The month-long celebration will start with a proclamation by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on May 2 at 2 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Other activities throughout May will include:

• Laugh Out Loud Movie Matinée Series on May 1 and May 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethesda Park Senior Center. Bring a friend and take in a comedy bargain movie with popcorn and drink included. Call 678.277.0179 for more information. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
• Zumba in the Park on May 3 and May 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Sweet Water Park. Visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com for more information. 800 Bethesda School Rd., Lawrenceville.
• Chair Tai Chi on May 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Centerville Community Center. Improve balance, mobility, cognition and quality of life in this slow paced workshop every Friday. Great for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Call 770.985.4713 for more information. 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.
• Walk the Talk on May from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at George Pierce Park. Pushing the limits with Carrie Waldrop, Director of Activities for Salude. Visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com for more information. 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee
• Rite Bite Diabetes Cooking on May 8, May 15, and May 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Bethesda Park Senior Center, presented by UGA Extension Gwinnett. Savor the tastes being demonstrated in the three-part series, and learn the benefits of diabetes cooking. For more information, call 678.277.0179. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
• Senior Art Play on May 9, 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Centerville Community Center. Discover your inner creative genius when you transform simple articles into personal works of art. Call 770.985.4713 for more information. 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.
• Movin’ and Groovin’ Friday Night Dance Party on May 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bethesda Park Senior Center. Connect with the sounds of DJ John while enjoying light refreshments with friends. Call 678.277.0179 for more information. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
• Walk with Ease starting on May 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Alexander Park. Continues throughout the month of May on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com for more information. 800 Old Snellville Highway, Lawrenceville
• Loud and Proud Cookout on May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethesda Park Senior Center. Celebrate with lawn games, great tunes, and a cookout! For more information, call 678.277.0179. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
• A Day in Paradise on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prime Timers Pointe at George Pierce Park. Just kick back, relax, and party luau-style. Music, food, and leis provided. Call 678.277.0910 for more information. 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.
• Dazzlin’ Dames Age Out Loud Variety Show on May 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bethesda Park Senior Center. Electrified comedy, song, and dance from the Dazzlin’ Dames, with light refreshments. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Other ongoing activities will include aquatic exercises and events at various aquatic centers, and senior discounts at Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. GCPR is honored to support Older Americans Month and to have the opportunity to show gratitude for our senior citizens. For more information, call 770.822.8840 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.