Older Americans Month - Norma Williams Video Profile
Norma Williams is always on the go. Norma works at the Onion Creek Senior Center where she cooks and performs several other tasks.
“I think I really enjoyed when the cook left and I took over. I really enjoy it because I used to cook all the time, but then I wasn’t cooking because it is no fun to cook for yourself,” said Williams.
After her husband died in 2010, she moved to Buda to be closer to her daughter and two grandchildren.
“I like it here. I like knowing people. I like being able to walk down the street and see somebody you know. That makes it home.”
But you won’t find Norma sitting at home very often.
“I feel like I need to get out and find things to do for myself, instead of somebody bringing things to me. You have to put out a little bit of effort.”
And that she does indeed. Aside from working at the Onion Creek Senior Center, Norma serves on the City’s Task Force on Aging and takes part in several other activities.
“Senior is as old as you want to be. I think I didn’t really start feeling my age until I hit 80. I’m trying to get up to 100 years-old if I can.”
At 85, Norma values her independence, but she is always thinking ahead.
"When I can’t drive, I already know what I’m going to do. That is when I’m going to start doing genealogy for our family. I’m going to do a book. I have plans. Make some plans.”
She also lives by this advice..
“I’m going to do what I would like to do as well as I can do it in whatever health condition you’re in. Don’t’ ever use it as an excuse not do something, such as reading, writing or whatever. People need to speak up for themselves. The younger people are, so why not the older people.”
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is Connect, Create, Contribute, which encourages older adults and their communities to:
- Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
- Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
- Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
Older Americans Month Information
