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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-03-22; 8-e - Older Americans Month Proclamation 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 3, 2022 Action Agenda Item No. 8-e SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on 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 the community. 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 Age My Way. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it — and there is no "right" way. This year's theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. In tough times, communities find strength in people — and people find strength in their communities. In the past two years, everyone has seen this time and again in Orange County as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other. In the community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, older adults have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and redefining the way you want to age. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that time, the 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. 2 While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults year- round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how the community has been involved in a year-long grassroots planning effort to develop the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan, which is focused on continuing to develop Orange County as an Age Friendly Community. This planning effort is centered on supporting older adults to age in community. Over 150 older adults, local organizations, County departments and municipalities participated in this effort which very much carried through the Older Americans Month theme of "Age My Way." Today there are over 32,000 Orange County residents who are 60+, and of that group, almost 2,000 are age 85+. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is a goal 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 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. Let's all celebrate aging and the journey. To "Age My Way' is the best way! FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, and programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. The Older Americans Act provides funding for senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, preventive health services, adult day care and other community based assistance. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. 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. 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION OLDER AMERICANS MONTH- MAY 2022 THEME - "AGE MY WAY" Whereas, Orange County includes over 32,000 persons aged 60 and older who contribute their strength, wisdom, and experience to our community; and Whereas, Orange County benefits when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed, included and supported; and Whereas, Orange County recognizes our need to create a community that provides the services and supports older Americans need to thrive and live independently for as long as possible; and Whereas, Orange County can work to build an even better community for older residents by: • Planning programs that encourage independence. • Ensuring activities are responsive to individual needs and preferences. • Increasing access to services that support aging in place. Now, therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2022 to be Older Americans Month, and urge everyone to recognize the contributions of our older residents, help to create an inclusive society, and join efforts to support older Americans' choices about how they age in their communities. The 3rd day of May, 2022. Renee Price, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners