HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-07-2013 - 4d 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 7, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-d
SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Aging
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255
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 Unleash the Power of Age!
In 2013 there are over 20,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, over
1,600 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, the
community will need to continue to offer meaningful opportunities for older adults — many of
who will remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Lifelong
participation in social, creative and physical activities have proven health benefits, including
retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. 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, Unleash the Power of Age!, 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 individuals 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
Proclamation
Older Americans Month — May 2013
WHEREAS, Orange County is a community that includes over 20,000 persons aged 60 and
older; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to valuing all individuals and recognizing their
ongoing life achievements; and
WHEREAS, the older adults in Orange County play an important role by continuing to
contribute experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, our older adults are active community members involved in volunteering,
mentorship, arts and culture, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the successes of community elders encourages their ongoing
participation and further accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, our community can provide opportunities to allow older adults to continue to
flourish by:
• Emphasizing the importance of elders and their leadership by publicly recognizing their
continued achievements
• Presenting opportunities for older Americans to share their wisdom, experience, and
skills
• Recognizing older adults as a valuable asset in strengthening our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
May 2013 to be Older Americans Month and urge all residents to take time this month to
recognize older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital
individuals who greatly contribute to the community.
This the 71'day of May, 2013.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners