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4 <br /> President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. <br /> Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding <br /> that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as <br /> possible. These services include senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, <br /> community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and <br /> much more. <br /> While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults <br /> year round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults <br /> can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in <br /> their communities. <br /> It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a <br /> difference in their communities. In this era of COVID-19, there are shining examples of <br /> how older adults are making a mark on the community. Project EngAGE Senior Leaders <br /> are connecting with older adults in their communities to make sure their needs are being <br /> met during these difficult times. These Leaders are making phone calls, picking up food, <br /> delivering senior center lunches, sewing facial coverings, and pitching in wherever there <br /> is an unmet need. The End of Life Choices Senior Resource team saw an unmet need <br /> and created a document to aid in emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. <br /> This new document is not intended to replace persons' advanced directives, but is to be <br /> used as a tool to provide additional information should an individual be diagnosed with <br /> COVID-19. Seymour Center tech volunteers put their skills and creativity to work and <br /> transitioned very quickly into offering computer classes in a virtual environment. And <br /> lastly, with COVID-19 occurring during tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax <br /> Assistance) volunteers should be congratulated for developing a secure process for <br /> assisting persons with tax preparation that does not involve a face to face appointment. <br /> Today there are over 29,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group, <br /> over 1,800 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement <br /> age, it is a goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. <br /> Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven <br /> health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older <br /> adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life — <br /> studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations <br /> enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> With COVID-19, celebrations and activities honoring Older Americans Month are being <br /> curtailed, but staff and the Advisory Board on Aging still encourage older adults to "Make <br /> Your Mark." With social distancing and the Seymour and Passmore Centers not being <br /> opened in the foreseeable future, everyone is encouraged to stay connected through <br /> phone calls, virtual gatherings, and participate in the on-line opportunities. This is a time <br /> for all of us to Mark" on the community by remaining resilient; calling neighbors; saying <br /> thank you to frontline workers; and promote a willingness to help the community recover <br /> from this pandemic and prepare everyone for whatever the new normal is. <br /> Janice Tyler read the proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> Older Americans Month — May 2020 <br /> Theme - "Make Your Mark" <br /> Whereas, Orange County includes over 29,000 persons aged 60 and older who make <br />