Motown Memories: Supporting Healthy Aging and Connecting Older Adults Through Music, Food and Community
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance social connectedness and reduce isolation among older adults, Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley AmeriCorps program, hosted two Motown Memories events as part of their 9/11 Day of Service. These events brought together older adults in the community, celebrating Motown’s vibrant musical legacy and fostering opportunities for social engagement through food, music and interactive activities.
The first Motown Memories event was held on September 27 at the Hispanic Center in Bethlehem. The event transformed the center into a lively community hub, complete with a photo booth, craft station and a shared meal to encourage conversation and connection. The event supported our Healthy Aging efforts by promoting food access and creating a space for individuals to connect through music and shared experiences.
On October 18, the second Motown Memories gathering was held at Lehigh Valley Active Life in Allentown. This event brought together nearly 70 participants who enjoyed classic Motown hits, crafts and music-themed activities that encouraged interaction among attendees. The meal fostered a warm, inclusive environment where older adults could connect over shared interests and nostalgia. Many participants expressed interest in future events, highlighting the positive impact of these gatherings on social engagement and community connectedness.
Together, these Motown Memories events illustrate how food, music and meaningful partnerships can help reduce isolation and enhance social connection among older adults in our community.
We would like to thank the following businesses for their event support:
Giant Food Stores
Weis Markets
Wawa-1501-09 W Gordon St, Allentown, PA 18102
Cactus Blue, Emmaus
Chik-Fil-A, Whitehall
C-Town, Allentown
