May is a month of fresh beginnings. Perennials bloom once again, blazing a trail of bright color. May is also when we celebrate Older American’s Month (OAM), acknowledging the perennial contributions of older adults to our nation. The 2016 OAM theme is Blaze a Trail. A Q & A with Roman Hammes. 

Trailblazer. A fitting description of Roman. Advocate. Volunteer. His commitment to helping others is remarkable. An LPN with a Gerontology degree, he retired in 2007, the same year he was nominated for The Claude Pepper Community Service Award. From his work with Wayne County Commissioner Tim Killeen’s office to his time with The Lake House, Roman continues to be an active advocate and volunteer through his "retirement” years. We are grateful as a community that he continues to serve as he does. Thank You Roman for your tireless effort and for sharing a few thoughts with us. Keep Blazing your trail!

Will you share your age? 71

What are you currently involved in? I am associated with: Services for Older Citizens. The Lake House. Men’s & Women’s Garden Club of Grosse Pointe. Older People Advisory Committee, SCS. WCCCD Eastside Advisory Committee, Harper Woods. Senior Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe.

Why do you do, what you do? I do volunteering because there are many opportunities to give back and they all need helping hands. 

Of all the projects you have been involved in, what are you most proud of? Being a senior advocate, working on causes/issues.

Prior to retirement, what if any fears, did you have about growing older? ALL of the fears of aging. Mental, physical and financial.

What advice for healthy aging do you have for the next generation of older adults? Come aboard. We are here to stay and the numbers are growing by thousands a day.

What is something you have wanted to accomplish, but haven’t yet? I would like to become a student exchange senior, much like Rotary and High schools have.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in life that you would like to share? Life continues. I still can do a lot with my talents.

What do you like most about being your age? The freedom to do whatever I want.

What do you enjoy doing in your down time? I enjoy family time, public entertainment, quiet time, gardening, going to the health club and travel.

What would you like to be remembered for? That I cared for the sick and needy, and especially the new generation of "The Baby Boomers”

~ Carolyn Van Dorn

5/5/2016