May is Older Americans Month, the time each year that we celebrate the oldest and some say, best generation.

In Hawaii, we select eight outstanding older adults from more than 195,000 ages 60 and older in the state who are recognized for the work they tirelessly perform for their communities.

Current trends show that people 60-plus account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Because of this group, we have redefined what old is. Old today is a lot older than it was a hundred years ago when average life expectancy was only 47. Now, the average age in Hawaii is more than 80 years, and many reach 100 and over.

This "gift of the third age" bears witness to the fact that we have been granted an extension at the end of life. Ideally, in these extra years, we have retired, are healthy, prosperous and thriving, surrounded by loved ones and enjoying the satisfaction of giving back to our communities. You only need to look at the long list of accomplishments our eight outstanding older adults in Hawaii have compiled to understand and appreciate this culture of social engagement.

These remarkable folks, some in their 90s, have been labeled "dynamic," "angels" and "treasures." They counsel fellow seniors on Medicare; drive folks to appointments and meetings; run meal programs; coordinate fundraisers, music festivals and craft fairs. They share food, stories, coach youth sports and serve as hospice volunteers. They are church elders, founders of programs, and friends who hold the hands of lonely fellow seniors or read to young children. They train people in CPR and teach lei-making and knit baby blankets for newborns. Whatever needs doing, they do it.

They are the perfect examples of people living this year’s Older Americans Month theme: "Never Too Old to Play." Play may conjure up seniors romping in the park or surfing, and there are many examples of folks who defy stereotypical images of old age. We love to read about senior marathoners, surfers and ball players. However, play in this context is much broader — and means staying engaged, active and involved.

Obviously communities, organizations and individuals benefit greatly from older adult volunteers. The other side of this story is how much we have learned about the benefits to the volunteers themselves.

Lifelong participation in social, creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities.

The Seattle Longitudinal Studies and MacArthur Study found that regularly engaging in social activity actually increases cognitive functions and wards off the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Further, those who participate in a positive social environment can help avoid the risk of mental decline as well as decrease the risk of depression.

Social engagement even proved to contribute to the decrease in the risk of mortality. Researchers in Australia who studied seniors 70 and older for 10 years found the risk of dying decreased by 20 percent when people had a strong network of friends. Having social interactions with friends provided an even greater effect than interactions with family members.

Unfortunately, not all older Americans are living an idealized life. Many are suffering from poor health, disabilities depression and loneliness. Perhaps this month is a good time for all ages to reach out to touch the life of a senior in need. This can be done in your own neighborhood or family; through organizations that provide volunteer opportunities such as Project Dana, RSVP and many others. Call the Hawaii Aging Disability Resource Center to help: 643-2372 (643-ADRC).

You will not only be helping seniors stay socially engaged, but you will be boosting your own health. If you are not yet 60, this will be good training for the time when you can proudly join the ranks of Outstanding Older Americans.