To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 707-565-5800, Sara Avery 707-565-6722
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month
End
Executive Summary:
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month
Discussion:
Every May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Sonoma County older adults, highlight important trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our community.
The 2025 theme is Flip the Script on Aging, which focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This theme highlights the vital role that language and messaging plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting stigmas, misconceptions, and other issues.
Here are some ways to participate in Flipping the Script:
• Focus on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging.
• Challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about aging.
• Share opportunities for older adults to stay active and engaged, highlighting opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection.
• Embrace wisdom and experience.
• Honor the aging process that begins at birth and revere every age, decade and cycle.
• Promote multigenerational opportunities for discussion, collaboration and engagement.
The Human Services Department Adult and Aging Division, along with the Sonoma County Aging and Disability Commission and community partners, are excited to celebrate Older Americans Month this year by sharing the ways we provide needed supports and services and how we change the perception about aging.
The Sonoma County Aging & Disability Resource Hub, a multi-agency partnership, uses a No Wrong Door approach to provide people of all ages, income levels and abilities with equitable access to information, assistance, and supports needed to live as independently as possible at home. Skilled social workers are available at (707) 565-4636, or 565-INFO, to help navigate each person’s unique needs, life changes, and challenges of aging and disability, and to connect individuals with helpful resources available in our community.
The Sonoma County Master Plan for Aging (MPA) was adopted by the Board on September 10, 2024, and showcased to the community on October 1, 2024. The MPA is an initiative to create a Sonoma County plan to promote healthy aging throughout the lifespan using the six goal areas of housing, healthcare, transportation, wellness and inclusion, caregiving, and economic security. The MPA is in the implementation phase where key stakeholders are starting to meet as action teams to work on the goal areas.
Through a grant, the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa and City of Sonoma, have been developing a culturally inclusive Local Aging and Disability Action Plan (LADAP) based on current, emerging, and future aging and disability-related needs. The LADAP has been shaped by an advisory committee specifically focusing on the needs of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community. Upon completion, the principles and strategies will be incorporated into the MPA or may become stand-alone initiatives.
Sonoma County is committed to honoring older adults and celebrating the contributions made by older people in our community. To demonstrate this commitment, the Board of Supervisors annually proclaims May as Older Americans Month in Sonoma County.
Prior Board Actions:
Every year since May 2012, the Board has adopted a gold resolution proclaiming May as Older Americans Month in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
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Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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