No matter what you call them – Baby Boomers, Senior Citizens, Empty Nesters, Golden Agers, Elder Statesmen, or Active Adults – Gwinnett County has made great strides in honoring and engaging our senior community. May – also known as “Older Americans Month” – is the ideal time to illustrate the abundance of activities available to our extroverted, energetic elders.
But First… A Little History
In the nearly 20 years following World War II, there was a dramatic rise in the number of babies born in the U.S. This period became known as the “baby boom.” At its peak, nearly 40% of U.S. families averaged four or more children. Today, those Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 lead unprecedented growth in the 65+ segment of the population in the United States. What stood at 58 million in 2022 is expected to reach 82 million by 2050 – marking a 42% increase. Those 65 and older currently account for roughly 18% of the total U.S. population, but that share is projected to rise to 23% over the next quarter century. Gwinnett County is prepared to address the needs of those 65 and older.
The Importance of Staying Active and Connected
Despite a brief decline during COVID-19, statistics show that Americans are living longer. Unfortunately, obesity is also on the rise – particularly among those 65 and older, plaguing roughly 40% of them. When combined with physical declines that can be expected as our bodies age, it’s crucial to remain active. What’s more is that, according to The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, adults aged 50 to 80 years commonly report loneliness and social isolation, as high as 42% of older adults. Not only do these feelings of isolation carry mental health ramifications, but they have also been linked to declining physical health. The impact of loneliness may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, diabetes, and premature death – increasing their mortality risk by as much as 26-29%. Fortunately, Gwinnett County offers a treasure trove of ways to combat physical decline and loneliness.
Opportunities Available to Older Adults in Gwinnett County Through Gwinnett County’s Award-Winning Parks and Recreation Department
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation has a strong track record of accolades at both the state and national levels. It has earned the title of the number one park agency in the state from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) and has been a finalist for the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration on numerous occasions. While youth athletics, environmental stewardship, facility maintenance, and community outreach all play a large role in those recognitions, the agency’s dedication to serving our senior population cannot be overlooked.
During the month of May 2026, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will host an array of exclusive events for residents aged 50 and older as part of its own Older Americans Month celebration. Those events include everything from Brushes & Beverages art classes, yoga, and bingo, to a Silver Seniors picnic, a fashion show, and more. The agency also offers two Senior Centers at Bethesda Park Senior Center in Lawrenceville and Prime Timers Pointe at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center in Suwanee, and an array of Senior Recreation Clubs that meet at the Recreation Centers/Activity Buildings at Lucky Shoals Park, Bogan Park, Dacula Park, Bethesda Park, Mountain Park, and George Pierce Park. Its Gwinnett Senior Golden Games offers seniors aged 50 and older the chance to participate in various sports, meet new people, learn new skills, and discover the recreational outlets available to citizens of Gwinnett County and neighboring counties. Not only do these experiences and activities offer opportunities to stay active, but they also provide chances to make new friends and connect with neighbors regularly.
Beyond Parks and Recreation
Senior Services, a section of Health and Human Services, helps Gwinnett County residents age 60 or older enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence through education, support, referrals, and free or low-cost services. The organization has several Senior Centers throughout the county, including Buford, Centerville, Lawrenceville, Norcross, and the Gwinnett Senior Services Center, also in Lawrenceville. A simple application is required to benefit from these services and centers.
Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities and programs that may prove an excellent fit for Older Americans who wish to stay connected and give back to their community. From our Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Road programs to directing traffic at our upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in June, we’re primed and ready to keep you plugged in and participating for the good of the planet. After all, giving back to one’s community enriches lives, strengthens social bonds, and fosters both personal and societal well-being.
From all of us here at Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, CHEERS to all of you celebrating Older Americans Month. We truly appreciate your past and FUTURE contributions to our community!
Sources: https://www.prb.org/resource/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/#footnote-1
https://www.census.gov/topics/population/older-aging.html
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2827710
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/1-3-older-adults-still-experience-loneliness-and-isolationhttps://www.retirementliving.com/best-senior-dating-sites/elderly-loneliness-statistics