Agenda 05-07-24; 4-a - Older Americans Month Proclamation

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2 relationships enhances quality of life. Investing time with friends, family and community is good for yourself and those around you. In the community, older adults are a key source of strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, older individuals have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in their communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and redefining the way you want to age. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more. While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults year- round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how the community is involved in implementing the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan and the continuing efforts to develop Orange County as an Age Friendly Community. Today there are over 34,000 Orange County residents who are 60+, and of that group, over 2,000 are age 85+. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is the goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Everyone should celebrate aging and the journey! FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, and programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. The Older Americans Act provides funding for senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, preventive health services, adult day care and other community-based assistance. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation designating May 2024 as Older Americans Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.