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2 <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 the community has been involved in a year-long grassroots <br /> planning effort to develop the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan, which is focused on continuing to <br /> develop Orange County as an Age Friendly Community. This planning effort is centered on <br /> supporting older adults to age in community. Over 150 older adults, local organizations, County <br /> departments and municipalities participated in this effort which very much carried through the <br /> Older Americans Month theme of "Age My Way." <br /> Today there are over 32,000 Orange County residents who are 60+, and of that group, almost <br /> 2,000 are age 85+. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is a goal to keep <br /> 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. Older adults are not the only ones who benefit from <br /> their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and <br /> neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. <br /> Let's all celebrate aging and the journey. To "Age My Way' is the best way! <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br /> The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, and programs and funding <br /> necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves <br /> and their dependents. <br /> The Older Americans Act provides funding for senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver <br /> support, preventive health services, adult day care and other community based assistance. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br /> impact associated with this item. <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 />