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Sunday, April 27, 2025 | Special Advertising Section 16Refugee Affairs, and the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands.%u201dThe annual IPAA Luncheondemonstrates how older adults like Neguse greatly contribute to thewelfare of other aging adults and thecommunity at large. This year%u2019s event,scheduled for late May, is expectedto draw more than 300 guests. The program will highlight many olderadults' contributions to the community.In Greater Seattle, older communitiesface diverse needs, significant gapsin understanding and resources, andmany other critical issues, including social isolation, access to culturallyappropriate services and holisticsupport.%u201cOur goal is not only to celebrateolder adults through recognition and storytelling but also to reshape the narrative to highlight their valuablecontributions, wisdom, and activeroles within our communities,%u201d saysBlue. %u201cAdditionally, securing consistentfunding and sustaining communityengagement are ongoing hurdles.Many of our programs rely on grantsand donations, and while the Inspire Positive Aging Awards highlightinspiring stories, maintaining yearround program support requires acontinuous commitment to outreachand building strong communitypartnerships.%u201dThe IPAA luncheon and recognitionsincrease awareness and support for thediverse needs of our older populations.Blue says the IPAA also expands community engagement, an importantgoal, by deepening connectionsbetween generations, promotinga more inclusive community andreshaping the narrative around aging.%u201cWe will continue our efforts tocombat ageism and change the narrative around aging by sharingstories of older adults who contributemeaningfully to their communities,%u201d she says. %u201cBy showcasing positiveexamples, like those celebratedat IPAA, we hope to inspire morecommunity members to support andengage with our mission.%u201dThe IPAA luncheon also provides anopportunity to support these effortsfinancially and secure sustainablefunding for the future to ensurethe long-term viability of multipleprograms. These programs, from longterm care assistance to minor homerepair support, Meals on Wheels, andtransportation services, are intended toempower older adults to maintain theirindependence and quality of life.\ makes me most proud ofSound Generations and the workwe do is how we not only provide asafety net of services but also createmeaningful opportunities for older adults to be included, respected, andSPONSORED CONTENTPROVIDED BY SOUND GENERATIONSSo many little things can impedea joyous day if we let them.Older individuals often face adisproportionate number of theseobstacles, especially aging adults who live in underserved communities.Fortunately, many individuals, includingage peers, take great pride in easingthe burden on members of our elderlycommunities.With spring in full bloom, May isnationally designated Older AmericansMonth, an excellent time to honor local older residents who actively engagein and give back to the community. Each spring, the Inspire Positive AgingAwards celebrates the many waysolder adults impact and shape ourcommunities.%u201cWe honor those who demonstrateexcellence in community service, advocacy and activism, health and wellness, lifelong learning, defininginspiration, and intergenerationalimpact,%u201d says Brittany Blue of SoundGenerations, a nonprofit organizationthat partners with older adults toprovide accessible and inclusiveservices so older adults can thriveaging their way..2017 IPAA Health & Wellness recipientMichael Neguse continues to positivelyimpact his community and the livesof his peers. Neguse works with theEast African Senior Center to ensurethat older adults receive free, culturallyrelevant meals, are familiar with current cultural events and have easy-tooverlook resources like bus tokens that encourage them to maintain an activeand independent lifestyle. %u201cMichael%u2019s dedication to servingunderserved communities, particularlyKing County%u2019s East African and refugeepopulations, is a powerful example of%u2018Inspired Aging in Action,%u2019 %u201d Blue says.%u201cMichael%u2019s multilingual skills (he speaks four languages) further amplify hisimpact, as he uses them to educatepeople of all ages about emergencypreparedness. His work spansnumerous organizations, includingReWa, Seattle Tilth, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle NeighborhoodGroup, the Office of Immigrant andIn the spotlight: Older adults who inspire usMichael Neguse, 2017 Health & Wellness Award winner, shines on the Inspire Positive Aging Awards stage. (Sound Generations)celebrated in the community,%u201d saysBlue. %u201cI love that we uplift their voicesand accomplishments in such apowerful way.\The Inspire Positive Aging Awards,the largest celebration of positiveaging in King County, is now replicated across the country byorganizations eager to highlight theaccomplishments of older members within their respective communities. Individuals who, like Seattle%u2019s Michael Neguse, continue to bridgegenerations, acknowledge culturalstrength, and support positive change for our senior residents.Sound Generations fosters an inclusive, multigenerational communitythat addresses the diverse needs of all, especially those from low-income backgrounds and people of color. Our mission is to deliver essential,accessible services, guaranteeing the opportunity to age with dignity andchoice. Learn more at soundgenerations.org.