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4 <br /> 1 that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as <br /> 2 possible. These services include senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, <br /> 3 community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and <br /> 4 much more. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults <br /> 7 year round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults <br /> 8 can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in <br /> 9 their communities. <br /> 10 It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a <br /> 11 difference in their communities. In this era of COVID-19, there are shining examples of <br /> 12 how older adults are making a mark on the community. Project EngAGE Senior Leaders <br /> 13 are connecting with older adults in their communities to make sure their needs are being <br /> 14 met during these difficult times. These Leaders are making phone calls, picking up food, <br /> 15 delivering senior center lunches, sewing facial coverings, and pitching in wherever there <br /> 16 is an unmet need. The End of Life Choices Senior Resource team saw an unmet need <br /> 17 and created a document to aid in emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. <br /> 18 This new document is not intended to replace persons' advanced directives, but is to be <br /> 19 used as a tool to provide additional information should an individual be diagnosed with <br /> 20 COVID-19. Seymour Center tech volunteers put their skills and creativity to work and <br /> 21 transitioned very quickly into offering computer classes in a virtual environment. And <br /> 22 lastly, with COVID-19 occurring during tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax <br /> 23 Assistance) volunteers should be congratulated for developing a secure process for <br /> 24 assisting persons with tax preparation that does not involve a face to face appointment. <br /> 25 <br /> 26 Today there are over 29,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group, <br /> 27 over 1,800 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement <br /> 28 age, it is a goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. <br /> 29 Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven <br /> 30 health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older <br /> 31 adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life— <br /> 32 studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations <br /> 33 enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 With COVID-19, celebrations and activities honoring Older Americans Month are being <br /> 36 curtailed, but staff and the Advisory Board on Aging still encourage older adults to "Make <br /> 37 Your Mark." With social distancing and the Seymour and Passmore Centers not being <br /> 38 opened in the foreseeable future, everyone is encouraged to stay connected through <br /> 39 phone calls, virtual gatherings, and participate in the on-line opportunities. This is a time <br /> 40 for all of us to Mark" on the community by remaining resilient; calling neighbors; saying <br /> 41 thank you to frontline workers; and promote a willingness to help the community recover <br /> 42 from this pandemic and prepare everyone for whatever the new normal is. <br /> 43 <br /> 44 Janice Tyler read the proclamation: <br /> 45 <br /> 46 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 47 PROCLAMATION <br /> 48 Older Americans Month — May 2020 <br /> 49 Theme - "Make Your Mark" <br /> 50 <br /> 51 Whereas, Orange County includes over 29,000 persons aged 60 and older who make <br /> 52 countless contributors to our community every day; and <br /> 53 <br />