HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-05-2015 - 4b
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:May 5, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No.4-b
SUBJECT:
Older Americans Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT:PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N)No
Aging and Advisory Board on
Aging
ATTACHMENT(S):INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255
Older Americans Month ProclamationHeather Altman, Chair –Advisory
Board on Aging
PURPOSE:
Toapprove a proclamationjoiningFederal 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 hasissued a proclamation for Older
Americans Month. This year’snational theme isGet Into the Act. The theme focuses on how
older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged intheir communities, and making
a positiveimpact in the lives of others.
The theme also reflects on the50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. President Lyndon
B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that timethe Act has
provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with
dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include senior
centers, daily lunch programs,caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive
health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more.
While the Department on Aging offersoutstanding programs and services to older adults year-
round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access
the homeand community-based services they need to live independently in their communities.
It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in
theircommunities.
This year the Department on Aging ishighlightingthe work being done by theProject EngAGE
Senior Resource Teams. Seven teams are working in the following areas: Outreach to Faith
Based Organizations; Falls Prevention; Dying with Dignity; Village Community Models;Senior
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Hunger; Transportation; and Community Watch/SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement
Together).
In 2015 there are over 23,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, over
1,700 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is a
Department on Aginggoal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and
beyond. Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven
health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass andcognitive abilities. But 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 ofthis year’s theme, Get Into the Act, everyoneis challenged to get engaged with your
community and develop a healthy, active lifestyle that will serve you well for years to come.
Take time to visit your local Senior Center and the Orange County Department on Aging and
see how you can beactive, 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.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Proclamation
Older Americans Month – May 2015
Theme - “Get Into the Act”
Whereas,
Orange County includes over 23,000 persons aged 60 and older; and
Whereas,
Orange County includes a thriving community of older adults who deserve recognition for
their contribution and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations; and
Whereas,
the Orange County Board of Commissioners is committed to helping all individuals live
longer, healthier lives in the communities of their choice for as long as possible; and
Whereas
, we recognize the value of community engagement and service in helping older adults
remain healthy and active while giving back to others; and
Whereas,
our community can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by:
Promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and social inclusion.
Emphasizinghome and community-based services that support independent living.
Ensuring community members of all ages benefit from the contributions and experience of
older adults.
Now Therefore,
we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2015to
be Older Americans Month and urge all residents to take time this month to celebrate older adults
and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute
to the community.
th
day of May, 2015.
This the 5
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Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners