Senior Citizens honored at TAOA event during National Older Americans Month

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) held a Senior Citizens Day Program this past Friday where seniors were recognized for their impact on the territory. TAOA also recognized the oldest senior citizen, presented an award for community service excellence, and the oldest Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) employee was honored. The awards ceremony is part of the National Older Americans Month, whose theme this year is “Age My Way.”

Nationally, the “Age Your Way” program allows state appointed agencies like TAOA to identify different ways to keep our senior citizens involved in our communities —especiall in the areas of improving services for our Senior Citizens; planning, engagement, access, and connection.

TAOA Director Evelyn Lili’o Satele said, “…this program will focus on how older adults can age gracefully in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and staying engaged in their chosen ways.

“Regardless of your age, I encourage you to use this opportunity to explore the many ways older adults can age and take part in our community. The pandemic has impacted our lives. In these tough times, people find strength in communities. This community has immense experience and wisdom to impart to future generations. They are the guardians of our rich history and traditions.”

The Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele Ale recalled that TAOA had done an exceptional job promoting and maintaining programming for our senior citizens. “The Age My Way program states that our beloved Senior Citizens live the way they choose, which is a cause for celebration.

“Enjoy your lives as senior citizens of American Samoa, and be happy. You should be able to do the things that keep you happy, dancing, handicrafts, and storytelling. Enjoy your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We need to embrace your stories and your experiences. I ask that you continue to share genealogies and the history of our island and our churches. These are the treasures we must covet and pass down to future generations.”

Reverend Taai Lemana, a retired minister who is 102 years old, was presented the Oldest Senior Citizen by Pago Pago High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr. on behalf of the US Congresswoman Uifaatali Aumua Amata.

Lisa Tuatoo represented the Lion’s Club and presented the Award of Community Service Excellence to the Late HC Tualamasala Michael Ryner Sala family.

President of the Rotary Club of Pago Pago presented the Oldest SCSEP employee award to 86 year old Mr. Alaia Filia.