In 1963, President Kennedy dedicated the month of May to the older adults of this country. Every year, in recognition of Older Americans Month, the Administration on Aging establishes a national theme in an effort to acknowledge and pay tribute to our older population. Many are working beyond traditional retirement age, while others volunteer their time serving worthy causes. Older Americans help others to understand the past, and they teach timeless lessons of courage, endurance, and love. Through their legacy of patriotism, service, and responsibility, America's older adults unite families and communities and serve as role models for younger generations. Each year during Older Americans Month, the Council for Older Adults is proud to honor Delaware County's older adults for enriching and strengthening our community, and we pledge to continue working to enhance their quality of life.

In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month with local and regional activities in Delaware County and Central Ohio. Local and regional events include:

 

County Commissioners Resolution

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners presents a resolution recognizing Older Americans Month locally and honoring local seniors for their contribution to their community and country.

Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Each year the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging honors individuals age 60 and above who have enriched the quality of life for others in their communities, by inducting them into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Delaware County has been well-represented with nominees to the Hall of Fame. The 2010 inductee from Delaware County was Carol Rohde of Lewis Center

Caregiver Recognition Day

Each year we honor local caregivers during Caregiver Recognition Day. Volunteers, staff and board members of the Council visit with and deliver flowers, a letter of appreciation and a small gift to about 170 local caregivers to recognize their service and efforts to keep loved ones safe and healthy at home. This is an event that our staff and board members look forward to each year, when we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to the many caregivers who help us keep older adults in their homes. Caregivers may be family members, friends and/or neighbors who go out of their way to help by providing regular assistance to a senior in need.

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Older Americans Month presents us with an opportunity to mark one of the single most important achievements of the past century - the longevity of our population - and the challenges and opportunities that accompany that growing demographic in the coming years.

Currently in Delaware County, 1 out of every 8 residents are aged 60 or older, representing 11.8% of the county population. However, from 2000-2020, Delaware County’s older population is projected to increase by 337 percent – that’s an average of 1,500 new seniors each year for 20 years! By the year 2020, one of every five Delaware County residents will be age 60 or older. During the last decade, Ohio’s older population grew by four percent. At the same time, Delaware County’s older population grew by an amazing 46 percent!

Information provided by the Administration on Aging and the Ohio Department of Development - 2000 Census