ATLANTA –­­­ Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden is calling on all Georgians to celebrate May as Older Americans Month by honoring the accomplishments and the contributions of Georgians aged 60 and older through an online storytelling campaign
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Gov. Nathan Deal has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Georgia, joining a nationwide celebration of older adults who embody this year’s theme of “Engage at Every Age.”

With more than 1.7 million of its residents aged 60 and older, Georgia has one of the nation’s fastest-growing populations of older Americans.

Throughout the month of May, the Department is collecting and sharing stories of Georgians aged 60 and older who are engaged in their communities through civic or faith-based leadership, volunteerism, professional endeavors or family involvement. The Department is also encouraging Georgians younger than 60 to share “My Favorite Older American” stories on social media, highlighting friends, family members and colleagues who embody the theme of “Engage at Every Age.”

Georgians are encouraged to share their stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #OAM18.

The goal of the storytelling campaign is to stress the importance of taking part in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being and to encourage cross-generational connectedness.

“We all know that engagement is a vital quality of strong families and communities,” Crittenden said. “And storytelling is a powerful tool for engagement. It’s important that Georgians share stories about a significant portion of the population whose hard work, courage and creativity have done so much to make our state stronger.”

Celebrated nationally since 1963, Older Americans Month provides opportunities to recognize seniors and their contributions to our communities. It is led by the Administration on Community Living’s Administration on Aging.

With 9,400 employees, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is Georgia’s largest state agency. DHS delivers a wide range of human services designed to promote self-sufficiency, safety and well-being for all Georgians. The DHS Division of Aging Services supports departmental goals by assisting older individuals, at-risk adults, persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers to achieve safe, healthy, independent and self-reliant lives.