On Lok, Self-Help for the Elderly, All American Medical Group, Chinatown Community Development Center, and San Francisco Marin Medical Society have launched a multi-month, grassroots campaign to recognize the continuous contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders older adults to society, while fostering intergenerational connections.
The Honor, Love, Respect Our Seniors Community Campaign kicked off in February with an in-person media roundtable at the Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative in San Francisco, where community leaders discussed how to reframe ageist beliefs and honor and respect the role of seniors in both the private and public spheres.
Speakers included Supervisor Connie Chan, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 1, along with leaders of each of the community partners: Grace Li, CEO, On Lok; Anni Chung, President and CEO, Self-Help for the Elderly; Dr. Joseph Woo, President, All American Medical Group; Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director, Chinatown Community Development Center; and Dr. Michael Schrader, San Francisco Medical Director, Dignity Health Medical Group.
The campaign also features a Senior Love Letter contest, inviting San Francisco Bay Area students in grades 6-12 to express their gratitude toward an elder who has inspired them to become a better person, enriched their life, or helped them overcome challenges. Selected essays will be printed in a major Chinese newspaper.
The last segment of the campaign will give voice to the senior themselves, who will be invited to a Chinese radio talk show to share their personal stories, life experiences, and wisdom. Through these three initiatives, the campaign aims to uphold the role and value of older adults in both our personal lives and society at large, while empowering them to age safely and with dignity in the community where they feel a sense of belonging.
