In May we were honored to mark Older Americans Month – a time to celebrate seniors and the rich contributions they have made to our nation, communities, businesses, and families during their lives.

But year-round, we should take time to consider how we can build into the lives of seniors.

Today, inAmerica, there are more than 50 million people aged 65 or older. And every day, a staggering 10,000 additional U.S. residents turn 65 years old. Estimates predict that by 2060, we will have 98 million Americans 65 or older.

We also recognize that seniors have many needs as they age, from housing and financial challenges, to physical and mental health needs.

That’s where any of us can help make a difference by engaging with seniors in our community – and encouraging seniors to engage in their community.

According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), “By engaging and supporting all community members, we recognize that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives.”

The ACL has provided some tips for older adults to stay healthy and keep active:

• Connect with friends, family, and supportive community services,

• Create by getting involved in activities that promote health, learning, and personal enrichment, and,

• Contribute time, talent, and life experiences to help others.

Across the Foothills region, there are many great city-operated senior centers and nonprofits dedicated to meeting the needs of older residents. Included is National Community Renaissance (CORE), a local affordable housing organization whose mission includes providing safe, nurturing apartment homes for low-income seniors.

The organization includes senior properties in Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Riverside, and just broke ground on the brand-new 131-unit Day Creek Senior Villas in Rancho Cucamonga.

So, how can you encourage older residents in your life? It might be striking up a conversation with a neighbor, calling or inviting a loved one over more often, or volunteering with a local senior center. Or it simply might be encouraging them to get out there and connect, create, and contribute.

Older Americans have so much to offer, and I look forward to seeing the contributions they continue to make in their communities over the coming decades.

Gregory Bradbard is president of the Hope Through Housing Foundation.