Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) proclaimed May 2021 as Older Americans Month in Orange County at the May 4 Board meeting.
In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in Orange County, NC as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other. BOCC Chair, Renee Price, read the proclamation urging, “every resident to recognize older adults and the people who support them as essential contributors to the strength of our community.”
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
Today there are over 30,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group over 1,900 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is the goal of Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA) to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond.
“While we offer 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,” OCDOA Director, Janice Tyler said. “It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in their communities.”
Visit the Department on Aging online at www.orangecountync.gov/Aging; or contact the Passmore Center in Hillsborough at (919) 245-2015 or the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill at (919) 968-2070 to share your experience, take a virtual or outdoor class, volunteer, or schedule a one-on-one appointment to connect to resources and services. Get started today!
For more information about Older Americans Month visit OAM website.