Older Americans Month proclaimed
The Highland County Press
The Highland County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of May as Older Americans Month during their Wednesday, May 8 board meeting.
Accepting the proclamation for Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer were Jenni Dovyak-Lewis of the Area Agency on Aging District 7 and Mechell Frost, director of the Highland County Senior Citizens Center.
Older Americans Month is a time to celebrate the wonderful contributions given by so many older Ohioans in our communities and express our gratitude for their years of positive influence and dedication to their families, friends and neighbors.
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The Area Agency on Aging District 7, (AAA7) Inc. administers programs for the elderly funded by the state and federal governments. Federal funds under the Older Americans Act and the Health Care Financing Administration, as well as all state funds, are received through the Ohio Department of Aging.
The Agency contracts with agencies and then channels funds through this network of service providers. These agency providers include senior centers, community action agencies, home health agencies, health departments, etc.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) consists of the following 10 counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton. Its main office is on the campus of University of Rio Grande, with satellite offices in Wheelersburg, Waverly and West Union.
Each May is celebrated nationwide as Older Americans Month and this year’s theme for Ohio is “Unleash Your Power: Be a Golden Buckeye!” The AAA7 joins the Ohio Department of Aging in encouraging all of our Golden Buckeyes to unleash their power! Ohio is home to nearly 2.4 million adults age 60 and older, and another approximately two million baby boomers. Imagine the potential when all of them – more than 40 percent of our state’s population – have opportunities to grow, thrive and contribute.
As our population ages, communities are incorporating the needs, abilities and preferences of Golden Buckeyes into their plans and services. As one of the 12 Area Agencies on Aging designated in Ohio, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 is devoted to the idea that our older adults should be respected as vital members of society. The AAA7 helps Golden Buckeyes make informed decisions and access quality, person-centered services, supports and resources to meet their needs and enhance their lives. When Golden Buckeyes strive for the highest quality of life, they help Ohio stay on the leading edge of innovation and be responsive to our growing and changing older population.
“During this month, we celebrate our older Ohioans throughout our ten-county district and the many contributions they make to our communities,” commented Pamela K. Matura, Executive Director with the AAA7. “Older Americans are a valuable asset to our society, making many contributions that have been and will continue to be a vital part of what makes our district so very special.”
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 is a non-profit corporation that helps coordinate programs to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently at home or in their community through long-term care home and community-based options.
The AAA7’s Aging and Disability Resource Center is available to help provide assistance and answers to any questions the community may have regarding long-term care options and resources. The community can call Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to speak directly to a nurse or social worker who will help answer any questions the caller may have.
Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711) or e-mail at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.
Learn more about Older Americans Month and find resources to unleash your power as a Golden Buckeye at the Ohio Department of Aging’s website (www.aging.ohio.gov/news/olderamericansmonth).