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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 7, 2013 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-d <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, 245-4255 <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 Unleash the Power of Age! <br /> In 2013 there are over 20,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and, of that group, over <br /> 1,600 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, the <br /> community will need to continue to offer meaningful opportunities for older adults — many of <br /> who will remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Lifelong <br /> participation in social, creative and physical activities have proven health benefits, including <br /> retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older adults are not the only ones who <br /> benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, <br /> friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> In honor of this year's theme, Unleash the Power of Age!, 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 individuals can connect with Orange <br /> County's 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 />