HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-06-25; 8-d - Older Americans Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 6, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-d
SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on
Aging
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255
Ann Bradford, Chair, Advisory Board
on Aging
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating
the month of May 2025 as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their
contributions to our 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 "Flip the Script on Aging," focusing on transforming how
society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities
to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
Looking at aging through the "Flip the Script on Aging" theme provides opportunities, such as the
following:
• The words used to shape perceptions. This month individuals can explore ways to rethink
talking about aging. Instead of"she still drives," simply say, "She drives." Phrases like "still"
often reinforce ageist assumptions. Small shifts like this can make a big impact.
• Think about how each person can "Flip the Script" on aging. Share ways that show aging
as an opportunity, not a limitation, whether that is pursuing a new passion, giving back to
the community or redefining expectations.
• Ever heard someone blame forgetfulness on a "senior moment"? It reinforces the
stereotype that aging means cognitive decline. Individuals should recognize that minor
memory lapses happen to people of all ages.
• Learning does not stop with age and you can experience something new every day by
participating in the programs at the Passmore and Seymour Centers.
• Physical activity is key to staying healthy at every stage of life. Whether it is yoga, dancing,
hiking or daily walks, movement helps maintain strength and independence. All these
opportunities and more can also be found at the Passmore and Seymour Centers.
• And the community should not forget caregivers this month. Unpaid caregivers save the
United States an estimated $600 billion annually. Caregivers are changing how they age
and support their loved ones as they strive to age here in a supportive, caring community.
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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.
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.
Older Americans Month is also an occasion to highlight how the community is involved in
implementing the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan and the continuing efforts to develop Orange County
as an Age Friendly Community.
Today there are over 34,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, over 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.
Everyone should celebrate aging and the journey!
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating May 2025 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 2025
Theme — "Flip the Script on Aging"
Whereas, May is Older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor the
34,000+ Orange County older adults who make countless contributions to our
community every day; and
Whereas, Orange County benefits when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
have the opportunity to participate and live independently and embrace our age-friendly
community model; and
Whereas, Orange County must ensure that our older adults have the resources and
support needed to stay involved in their communities — reflecting our commitment to
inclusivity and connectedness;
Now, Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
May 2025 as Older Americans Month, with this year's theme, "Flip the Script on Aging,"
focusing on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It
encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel
misconceptions. Join us in honoring older adults' contributions, exploring the many
opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities
for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
The 6th day of May, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners