WEST HOLLYWOOD—Throughout the month of May, the city of West Hollywood will celebrate its senior community with a series of events, beginning with a Community Reception with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) California on May 1, at 5:30 p.m. The city has honored its thriving senior community for more than 20 years.

The reception is open to the public and will be held in the Community Meeting Room at the West Hollywood Library, at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, with validated parking available in the nearby five-story structure. Nancy McPherson, Executive Director of AARP California, and Michael Murray, Strategic Business Operations Officer, will present a plaque to the West Hollywood City Council following the reception, in recognition of the city as an Age-Friendly Community.

West Hollywood initiated its Aging in Place five-year strategic plan in 2016 to “improve the quality of life and well-being of older adults” in the community, according to a press release from the city. Aging in Place intends to help seniors live in their own homes safely and independently, without regard to age or income, with the support of a range of services provided by the city.

In April 2017, AARP California’s first Age-Friendly Communities Conference was held in Pasadena, where West Hollywood staff members shared ideas from the Aging in Place plan with fellow planners and practitioners. Participants discussed topics including housing affordability, transportation options, and caregiving.

Other events during Senior Month include the 16th Annual Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Community Center at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Health screenings, demonstrations, and information from local organizations will be provided. According to an event description from the city, over 25 social service and transportation providers were invited to attend the fair.

On Tuesday, May 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., community members are invited to “Connections & Community: A Gathering for Seniors” at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room. Attendees will discuss ways to stay involved with the city’s support.

On Wednesday, May 24, at 2 p.m., the Senior Advisory Board Meeting and Reception will take place in the Council Chambers. Senior community members will discuss topics of importance, and “Senior Stories WeHo” participants will read from their stories or poems.

On Friday, May 26, at 7 p.m., writers Anabelle Gurwitch, Meredith Maran, and Lisa Napoli will host a conversation, “It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New: Late Life Reinventions, Reflections, and (No) Regrets!” in the Council Chambers. The three writers will share tales and life lessons with attendees and provide books for purchase and signing.

The events are listed in the Senior Month Calendars, which were distributed throughout West Hollywood with Senior Health Fair flyers. Information may also be available through Social Services, community information racks, and bulletin boards at the Community Center.

For more information on West Hollywood’s Aging in Place strategic plan, visit www.wehoaging.org.