SUBJECT:
Title
Proclamation of Older Americans Month, Sponsor Council Member Emily Baer
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Department
PRESENTER: Emily Baer, Council Member
Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
Title
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
This May, the Town of Erie will recognize Older Americans Month and challenge the narrative on aging. Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older community members.
This year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
Here are ways we can support the theme Flip the Script on Aging:
• Challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
• Highlight aging trends.
• Reaffirm commitments to serving older adults.
• Embrace the positive aspects of getting older by focusing on personal growth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, cultivating meaningful relationships, and viewing each year as an opportunity to learn and develop new skills.
• Reframe aging as a journey of continuous improvement and enrichment.
• Inspire older adults to share how they reframe aging or flip the script on aging on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.
Here are some specific actions we are taking at the Town of Erie to promote Older Americans Month:
• Social media posts of older adult participants showcasing various ways they are challenging stereotypes or dispelling misconceptions, end embracing the positive aspects of getting older.
• Hosting a free social hour, lunch, and presentation on how Erie Older Adults Flip the Script on Aging, sponsored by Erie Recreation Active Adults programs and Seniors Helping Seniors.
• Promoting this year’s theme Flip the Script on Aging with t-shirts or other promotional material to be utilized at the lunch.
• Inviting the Town Council Members to attend lunch on Thursday, May 15.
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Small Town Feel
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Effective Governance
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Older Americans Month Proclamation