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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 1, 2012
Action Agenda
Item No. �{' -(,Y,
SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Aging
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Tyler, Director, 968-2071
Older Americans Month Proclamation Heather Altman, Chair—Advisory
Board on Aging
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating
, the month of May as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their
contributions to society and to Orange County.
BACKGROUND: May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963. For many
years the Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older
Americans Month. This year's theme is `Never Too Old to Play.�'
In 2012 there are over 20,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ years old, and of that
group over 1,700 are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age,
the need to offer meaningful opportunities for older adults, many who will remain physically and
socially active through their 80s and beyond, will continue. Lifelong participation in social,
creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle
mass and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, older adults are not the only ones who benefit from
their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and
neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved.
In honor of this year's theme, `Never Too Old to Play.►', the Department on Aging and the
Advisory Board on Aging invite the community to take time to visit your local Senior Center and
the Orange County Department on Aging and see how you can connect with Orange County's
community of older adults.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the
proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating May as Older Americans Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Proclamatio�
Older Americans Month —May 2012
WHEREAS, Orange County is a community that includes over 20,000 residents aged 60 and older
and this population is the fastest growing segment of Orange County's population; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to helping all individuals maintain their health and
independence in later life; and
WHEREAS, the older adults in Orange County have an important role in sharing knowledge,
wisdom, and understanding of the history of our community through interactions with children,
youth, and adults from other generations; and
WHEREAS, the fruits of knowledge and experience can be effectively transferred from generation
to generation through meaningful social interactions; and
WHEREAS,their interactions with family,friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives
of everyone involved; and
WHEREAS,our community can provide opportunities to enrich residents young and old by:
• Emphasizing the value of including elders in public and family life;
• Creating opportunities for older Americans to interact with people of different generations;
and
• Providing services, technologies, and support systems that allow older adults to participate
in social activities in the community;
NOW, THEREFORE; we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May
2012 to be Older Americans Month and urge all residents to take time this month to engage with our
older residents through enjoyable social interactions such as sports, games, contests, and other forms
of play.
This the 1 St day of May, 2012.
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners