San Rafael, CA – In 1963, the United States declared each May as Older Americans Month, highlighting the value of people 60 years and over. In Marin County, one of every four residents is over 60, and in just 15 years that number is estimated to rise to one in three.
One in every four Marin residents is over age 60 today, and it'll be one in three within 15 years.
The annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate our nation’s older residents. This year’s Older American’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging in their communities, and making positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.
Marin’s trailblazing older adults are actively preparing for Marin’s longevity boom. Many small communities now have “Villages” that serve as a network of local supports so that older adults can live independently. Sausalito paved the way as the first city in Marin to obtain the “Age Friendly City” designation from the World Health Organization (WHO), followed by the towns of Fairfax and Corte Madera. Other Marin towns and cities are working toward the global recognition.
Marin older adults are active civic participants, serving as volunteers in programs such as Experience Corps, the Financial Abuse Specialist Team, the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, Marin Medical Reserve Corps, and Project Independence, to name a few. The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) makes it a high priority to address the needs of the local senior population.
“Older adults have tremendous value and wisdom and are a substantial part of our community and local economy,” said Lee Pullen, Director of Aging and Adult Services for Marin HHS. “If we can support residents to Live Long and Live well, we all benefit.”
Be inspired by trailblazers and find out about ways to blaze your own trail. Join the Aging and Adult Services staff at the 12th year of the Healthy Aging Symposium, Trail Blazers in a Changing World, on May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael.
Featured speakers include:
- Spencer Michaels, a producer and correspondent for the PBS News Hour;
- Dr. Lili Shaughnessy, Director of Neuropsychology Clinical and Training Programs for the California Pacific Medical Center;
- Barbara Beskind, conceptual designer for IDEO and a 94-year old pioneer in healthy aging.
Online registration is open until April 29. For more information, call 415-473-2980. For more information on County services and efforts related Marin’s older adults, visit livelonglivewellmarin.org.