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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-05-2026; 8-d - Older Americans Month Proclamation 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 5, 2026 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 Dr. Tracey Holsinger, Chair, Advisory Board on Aging PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating the month of May 2026 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 "Champion Your Health," which is focusing on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health, including advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence. Looking at aging through the "Champion Your Health" theme provides opportunities, such as the following: • Think about how you can move more, eat better and stay socially active. All those things can happen at the Seymour and Passmore Centers. The County has an abundance of fitness opportunities at all levels. The daily lunch program provides a hot, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed with others. • Championing Your Health can also show how aging is an opportunity, not a limitation, whether that is pursuing a new passion, giving back to the community or redefining expectations. • People know that keeping their minds healthy requires continued learning. Learning does notstop with age, and people can experience that every day 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 can also be found at the Passmore and Seymour Centers. • And it is important to not forget caregivers this month. Many times, caregivers do not take the time to take care of themselves. Let this month be a time that caregivers get that much 2 needed check-up. Unpaid caregivers save the United States an estimated $600 billion annually. How caregivers age and support their loved ones is changing as they strive to age here in a supportive, caring community. 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. It 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 36,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, 2,500 are age 85+. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is the County's goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 90s 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 2026 as Older Americans Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION OLDER AMERICANS MONTH — MAY 2026 Theme — "Champion Your Health" Whereas, May is Older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor the 36,000+ 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; 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; and Now, Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Older Americans Month, with this year's theme, "Champion Your Health," focusing on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health — advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence. The Board asks everyone to 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. Moving more, eating well, and staying socially connected all contribute to overall well-being and are a great way to Champion Your Health daily by visiting the Seymour and Passmore Centers. This the 5th day of May, 2026. Jean Hamilton, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners