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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 2, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-h <br /> SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on Aging <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 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 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. This year marks <br /> the 60th anniversary, and the hope is to challenge the narrative on aging. For many years the <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older Americans Month. <br /> This year's national theme is Aging Unbound. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they <br /> age and how they choose to do it — and there is no "right" way. This year's theme offers an <br /> opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of <br /> enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving each person's own path as we age. <br /> As one looks at aging through the Aging Unbound theme it provides opportunities to: <br /> • Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, be creative, explore <br /> classes/programs at the Seymour and Passmore Centers, and push boundaries by not <br /> letting age define your limits. <br /> • Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight <br /> and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. <br /> • Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when individuals stay connected and <br /> involved. Communities find strength in people — and people find strength in their <br /> communities. This has become even more evident as everyone continues to come out of <br /> a global pandemic. Volunteerism and community engagement is vital for the future in <br /> meeting the growing needs of the older adult in the community. <br /> • Form relationships. If people learned anything during the pandemic, it is that social isolation <br /> is deadly. An essential ingredient of aging well is being socially engaged and having <br /> relationships enhance the quality of life. Investing time with friends, family and community <br /> is good for yourself and those around you. <br />