HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-08-2014 - 4bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 8, 2014
Action Agenda
Item No. 4 -b
SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
Aging
ATTACHMENT(S):
Older Americans Month Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Tyler, Director, 245 -4255
Heather Altman, Chair —Advisory
Board on Aging
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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 national theme is Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow. The theme
focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and
remain active and independent for as long as possible. On a national basis there are at least 6
million unintentional injuries among older adults that result in 30,000 deaths every year.
With an emphasis on safety during Older Americans Month, County staff and the Advisory
Board on Aging are encouraging older adults to learn about the variety of ways they can avoid
the leading causes of injury, like falls. The Orange County Senior Centers offer a variety of
evidence based fitness programs that focus on balance and falls prevention. The Department
is reaching out to faith -based communities to co- sponsor senior exercise and balance classes.
The Department on Aging's Stay Up and Active program, in collaboration with the Orange
County Emergency Services Department, is a perfect example of agencies working together to
make the community a safer place to grow old. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) medics
conduct home safety inspections and refer at -risk seniors to the Department on Aging for
further assessment and services.
In 2014 there are over 22,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, over
1,600 are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, the goal is to
keep them 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. Additionally, 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, Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow, the community is challenged to
stay safe and develop a healthy, active lifestyle that will serve everyone well for years to come.
The public is encouraged to take time to visit the Senior Centers and the Orange County
Department on Aging and see how each individual can be active, involved and aging well in the
Orange County community.
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.
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Proclamation
Older Americans Month — May 2014
Theme - "Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow"
Whereas, Orange County includes over 22,000 persons aged 60 and older; and
Whereas, Orange County is committed to helping all individuals live longer, healthier lives; and
Whereas, the older adults in Orange County have made countless contributions and sacrifices to
ensure a better life for future generations; and
Whereas, the Orange County Board of Commissioners recognizes the value of injury prevention and
safety awareness in helping older adults remain healthy and active; and
Whereas, our community can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals young and old
by:
• Supporting their ability to stay healthy and physically active
• Emphasizing the need to take action to safeguard themselves from unintentional injuries
where they live, work and socialize
• Providing information on avoiding leading causes of injury for older adults, particularly
falls and offering opportunities to participate in falls prevention fitness programs.
• Creating opportunities to stay engaged and active in their communities.
Now therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as
Older Americans Month and urge every resident 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 8t' day of May, 2014.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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