title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Solano County (Supervisor Brown)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, Older and Disabled Adult Services Bureau (ODAS), and the Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging join the federal Administration for Community Living in recognizing and celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Older Americans Month in the United States. Older Americans Month is celebrated every May, and this year’s theme “Flip the Script on Aging” focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. This is the time to challenge stereotypes, highlight opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection, and reaffirm the commitment to serving older adults.
The Advisory Council on Aging to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging is celebrating Older Americans Month by continuing to bring diverse groups of individuals and service providers together and encouraging older adults to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace the many opportunities that come with aging such as pursuing a new passion, giving back to the community, redefining expectations, pursuing knowledge, and staying active.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of preparing this agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs of preparing and purchasing the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Celebrating Older Americans Month reminds individuals to pause and remember the pace at which our older population is growing nationwide and in California. According to the Administration for Community Living 2023 Profile of Older Americans (published May 2024), there are 78.9 million Americans 60 years of age and older, and according to the California Department of Aging, there are more than 9 million Californians over the age of 60 years, with this number rapidly growing. By 2040, California’s older adult population is projected to reach 11.4 million or about 28% of the total population.
The 2025 theme for Older Americans Month is “Flip the Script on Aging” and focuses on transforming how society perceives and talks about aging, encouraging individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and embrace the opportunities that come with aging. With this theme in mind, communities can promote embrace policies and laws, educational activities, and intergenerational activities that can reduce ageism.
Aging is an opportunity, not a limitation, whether it’s pursuing a new passion, giving back to the community or redefining expectations. Learning doesn’t stop with aging, it evolves, and everyone can celebrate the pursuit of knowledge at every stage of life. Physical activity is a key to staying healthy at every stage of life, whether it’s yoga, dancing, hiking, or daily walks, let’s challenge the idea that aging means slowing down. Communities benefit when people of all ages and abilities and backgrounds can connect and challenge stereotypes, as well as highlight opportunities for purpose.
While celebrating Older Americans Month, ODAS and the ACOA ask that the community joins in honoring older adults’ contributions and exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged, which can prevent loneliness, isolation, depression, and vulnerability.
Locally, the aging and disability plan has been completed. The 15-month process to develop the plan, funded by a local planning grant received from the California Department of Aging, consisted of 19 community listening sessions of over 361 participants. Older adults and adults with disabilities living in Solano County provided their input on what the ideal age and disability friendly community would look like. The information gathered through the community engagement identified trends that are presented in the Solano Master Plan for Aging and Disability report which is available on the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging website. The report provides insight into the thoughts and concerns of older adults and adults with disabilities living in Solano County communities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to adopt and present this resolution. This is not recommended because it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the contributions and needs of older residents in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Advisory Council on Aging to the Napa Solano Area on Aging was involved in developing this agenda item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION