Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 4, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-c <br /> SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on Aging <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Older Americans Month Proclamation Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255 <br /> Heather Altman, Chair, Advisory Board <br /> on Aging <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating <br /> the month of May 2021 as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their <br /> contributions to the community. <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 Americans <br /> Month. This year's national theme is Communities of Strength recognizing the important role <br /> older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient <br /> communities. <br /> In tough times, communities find strength in people — and people find strength in their <br /> communities. In the past year, this has occurred time and again in Orange County as friends, <br /> neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other. <br /> In the community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, <br /> successes, and difficulties, these residents have built resilience that helps them to face new <br /> challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger, too. <br /> Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life — a <br /> conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a <br /> cup of tea on a busy day. And when people share these activities with others — even virtually or <br /> by telling about the experience later— it helps them build resilience too. <br /> This year, Orange County celebrates Older Americans Month by encouraging community <br /> members to share their experiences. Together, everyone can find strength —and create a stronger <br /> future. The County also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in the <br />