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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans Month in Solano County (Chair Brown)
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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 2026 as Older Americans Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Health & Social Services (H&SS), Public Health Division, Older and Disabled Adult Services Bureau, and the Advisory Council on Aging, in collaboration with the Napa Solano Area Agency on Aging, join the Federal Administration for Community Living to recognize and celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Older Americans Month in the United States. Older Americans Month is celebrated every May, and this year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility, encouraging older adults to take an active role in managing their health, advocating for themselves, and making informed decisions to support independence. This theme emphasizes evidence-based approaches, self-management, caregiver roles, and community partnerships that empower older Americans to lead healthy lives.
Recognition of Older American’s Month is even more significant this year as H&SS celebrates the work of residents who contributed to the completion of the Solano Master Plan on Aging and Disabilities Report which contains shared goals to make Solano County more age and disability-friendly. H&SS and community partners unveiled and celebrated the plan at a community meeting on October 2, 2025, with a focus on implementing the first goal, “Awareness of and Accessing Services and Supports.” H&SS and community partners are striving to ensure that all older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers are well-informed and have easier access to services and support to meet their needs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY 2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Celebrating Older Americans Month provides the community with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pace of growth in the older population nationwide and in California. According to the Association for Community Living, the number of Americans aged 60 and older increased by 29% from 60.9 million to 78.9 million in 2022. The California Department of Aging projects that by 2030, nearly 10 million Californians will be 60 years of age or older, and by 2040, this number will reach 11.4 million, representing about 28% of the total population. By 2030, it is projected that for the first time in California history, older adults will outnumber those under 18.
In Solano County, the California Department on Aging estimates the senior population aged 60 and over is approximately 112,500 and projects that this age group will increase 22% over the next 10 years and increase by 44% by 2044.
The Solano Master Plan on Aging and Disabilities aligns with the ‘Champion Your Health’ theme by prioritizing access to services, increasing awareness, and promoting physical and mental well-being, safety, and transportation. These objectives support community efforts to adopt policies, educational initiatives, and intergenerational programs that reduce ageism. Collectively, these goals reinforce this year’s theme by empowering older adults to champion their own health.
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging is recognizing Older Americans Month by promoting senior services at community events, bringing together diverse groups of residents and service providers, and encouraging older adults to share their stories about “championing their health.” A variety of programs, such as congregate meals, volunteer opportunities, line dancing, and device distribution to seniors and individuals with disabilities, help support meaningful engagement and connection.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the contributions and needs of older County residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Advisory Council on Aging to the Napa Solano Area Agency on Aging was involved in this agenda Item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION