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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 1, 2012 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. �{' -(,Y, <br /> SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> Aging <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Janice Tyler, Director, 968-2071 <br /> Older Americans Month Proclamation Heather Altman, Chair—Advisory <br /> Board on Aging <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating <br />, the month of May as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their <br /> contributions to society and to Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963. For many <br /> years the Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older <br /> Americans Month. This year's theme is `Never Too Old to Play.�' <br /> In 2012 there are over 20,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ years old, and of that <br /> group over 1,700 are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, <br /> the need to offer meaningful opportunities for older adults, many who will remain physically and <br /> socially active through their 80s and beyond, will continue. Lifelong participation in social, <br /> creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle <br /> mass and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, older adults are not the only ones who benefit from <br /> their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and <br /> neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> In honor of this year's theme, `Never Too Old to Play.►', the Department on Aging and the <br /> Advisory Board on Aging invite the community to take time to visit your local Senior Center and <br /> the Orange County Department on Aging and see how you can connect with Orange County's <br /> community of older adults. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation <br /> designating May as Older Americans Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br />