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2 <br /> communities. It encompasses the idea that getting older does not mean what it used to. For many <br /> aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals and dreams can get a new and second <br /> start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and redefining the way you want to <br /> age. <br /> President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that <br /> time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults <br /> live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include <br /> senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive <br /> health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more. <br /> While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults year- <br /> round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access <br /> the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. <br /> It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in <br /> their communities. <br /> In this era of COVID-19, there are shining examples of how older adults are contributing to the <br /> strength of the community. The Project EngAGE Senior Leaders are connecting with older adults <br /> in their communities to make sure their needs are being met during these difficult times. Leaders <br /> are making phone calls, picking up food, delivering senior center lunches, sewing facial coverings, <br /> and pitching in wherever there is an unmet need. <br /> The End of Life Choices Senior Resource team saw an unmet need and created a document to <br /> aid in emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This new document is not intended <br /> to replace persons' advanced directives, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional <br /> information should you be diagnosed with COVID-19. <br /> Tech volunteers at the Seymour Center put their skills and creativity to work and transitioned very <br /> quickly into offering our computer classes in a virtual environment. This was critical in helping <br /> many older adults learn how to use their computers to connect to virtual center programs and to <br /> their family and friends. Volunteers have also helped make it possible for the County to serve <br /> almost a 1,000 curbside meals weekly helping the many older adults in the community that are <br /> food insecure. <br /> And lastly, with COVID-19 occurring during tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) <br /> volunteers should be congratulated for developing a secure process for assisting persons with tax <br /> preparation that does not involve a face to face appointment. Last year this program was <br /> recognized by the IRS for its innovative work during the pandemic. <br /> Today there are over 30,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group over 1,900 <br /> who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is the goal to <br /> keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Lifelong participation in <br /> community, social, creative and physical activities have proven health benefits, including retaining <br /> mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit <br /> from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and <br /> neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> With COVID-19, the celebrations and activities honoring Older Americans Month are being <br /> curtailed, but the County still encourages older adults to celebrate "Community of Strength." With <br />