Older Americans Month 2016 in New Jersey

Each May Visiting Angels is happy to feature Older Americans Month as a way to show seniors in our community how much we value their participation and offerings they make to society.

This year’s theme is “Blaze A Trail” which challenges older adults to take charge of their health, get engaged in their communities, and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

2015 was the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA)

The Older Americans Act was signed into law in 1965. Back then, only 17 million living Americans were 65 or older. About a third lived in poverty and there weren’t many programs to meet their needs. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way! For 50 years, the OAA has provided a nationwide network of services for older people along with funding that helps them live with dignity and independently at home for as long as possible. Services such as home-delivered meals, family caregiver support, preventative health services, community-based assistance, elder abuse prevention, and more.

Visiting Angels is eager to promote activity and wellness in older adults. We encourage seniors to take advantage of home and community based services in their area and to make a difference in their communities.

Participate in Older Americans Month in your area

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about activities and programs geared for Older Americans.

• Mercer County Office on Aging: Phone: 877-222-3737

• Burlington County Office on Aging: Phone: 877-222-3737

To contact local New Jersey senior centers about the programs they offer, see our Mercer County Senior Resource page or Burlington County Senior Resource page for contact information.

Check out our downloadable information sheets!

Download our May 2016 Community Resource Bulletin Older Americans Month: Blaze A Trail. Tips from Administration for Community Living including Blaze a Trail to Wellness, Blaze a Trail to Civic Engagement, Blaze a Trail to Securing Your Finances, Blaze a Trail to Reinvention, and an Older Americans Month Wordfind.

Download our May 2015 Community Resource Bulletin Older Americans Month Get Into the Act for powerful information including: Tips from the National Institute on Aging, “Participating in Activities You Enjoy—More Than Just Fun and Games;” Administration on Aging’s Statistical Profile of Older Americans; and an AOA’s crossword puzzle.

Download our 2014 May Community Resource Bulletin and learn about driving safety, fall safety, and burn safety.

Download our 2013 May Community Resource Bulletin, which contains statistics, trivia questions and a crossword puzzle provided by the Administration on Aging.