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May is Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month is a time to recognize the many positive contributions older adults make in our society and reaffirm our commitment to providing services and supports to older adults and including older adults in our communities.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation in recognizing Older Americans Month and chooses the theme. The 2024 theme is “Powered by Connection” which recognizes the significant impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Connections to others supports aging in place and independence by reducing social isolation and loneliness.
Older adults make up 29% of Buncombe County’s population. We are fortunate to have 78,367 older residents living in Buncombe County who contribute much of their time and money to our county through unpaid caregiving, volunteer work, charitable donations, and direct spending to support the economy.
According to the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, out of 100 counties in North Carolina, 85 counties have more older residents, age 60 and above, than younger residents, age 17 and under. Buncombe County is ranked 3rd out of these 85 counties. Population aging is happening here in Buncombe County as well as across the United States and some parts of the world. This demographic transition will continue for years to come.
Older Americans Month is also a time to celebrate aging and we should celebrate that we are living longer lives. Aging is Living! How you think about aging determines the quality of your life and how long you will live.
A highly recommended book to read about changing your beliefs about aging is “Breaking The Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live” by Dr. Becca Levy. Thinking positively about aging can increase your life by 7.5 years!
In honor of Older Americans Month, reach out to the older adults in your families and communities. Listen to their stories and tell them about yours. We can learn from each other’s life experiences, wisdom, and knowledge no matter what our ages. All of us will benefit from these shared social connections.
Join us in June to generate awareness and foster action to end elder abuse at the 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
The walk on Thursday, June 13, from 2 - 4 p.m. at Carrier Park, is free and participants will receive free ice cream from Annie B’s and information about elder abuse, its impacts on our community, and local agencies that offer actions and support to combat elder abuse. Register now to receive a free tote bag.