City Brings Together 50 Exhibitors to Victory Park for Older Americans Month

More than 50 organizations will gather at Victory Park on May 20 to offer Pasadena’s older adults a free day of health screenings, educational presentations, and direct access to aging services — the largest concentration of senior resources the city assembles each year.

The event, now in its fifth year, is organized by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Senior Commission, and Pasadena Village, a nonprofit that helps adults over 55 live independently. This year’s celebration falls under the national Older Americans Month theme, “Champion Your Health,” which emphasizes prevention, wellness, and self-advocacy, according to the federal Administration for Community Living, which coordinates the May observance nationwide.

“This celebration reinforces the importance of empowering older adults to take an active role in their health and well-being,” said Koko Panossian, director of the PRCS Department, in a city press release. “It connects people with tools, programs, and services that help them thrive at every stage of aging.”

The program runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and begins with remarks from local public officials. Exhibitors will showcase services ranging from health care and home care to recreational programming and community support. Food and giveaways are included. Sponsors providing in-kind support include Pasadena Village, Home Instead-Pasadena, UCLA Health, and Villa Gardens, according to the city press release.

Older Americans Month has been observed nationally every May since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated the month to draw attention to the needs of the country’s older population. The Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sets each year’s theme.

Katie Brandon, who serves as both a Pasadena Senior Commissioner and executive director of Pasadena Village, said the event reflects the breadth of support available to older residents.

“Our community is fortunate to have an extensive network of support, from health care and older adult programming to cultural and recreational opportunities,” Brandon said in the press release. “We’re looking forward to bringing people together to connect, learn, and celebrate aging in a positive way.”

Pasadena Village, one of the event’s co-organizers and sponsors, is a nonprofit membership organization that helps older adults age in place through social programming, peer support, and resource connections across the San Gabriel Valley. The organization has more than 200 active members, according to its website.

The celebration takes place at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at CityOfPasadena.net/OAM for additional event details. For more information, call (626) 744-7300.

This year’s focus on personal health management reflects a broader national push to help older Americans take charge of their own well-being, according to the Administration for Community Living.