Flip the script on aging this Older Americans Month

Each May, the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) recognizes Older Americans Month (OAM). OAM is a time to reinforce our commitment to meeting the needs of Georgia’s older adults and change the narrative on aging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.4% of the state's population is 65 years of age or older, making Georgia one of the fastest growing states in terms of the older adult population.  

This year’s theme for OAM is “Flip the Script on Aging.” The theme was selected to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. This includes honoring older adults’ contributions to their communities and encouraging connectedness and active engagement in the setting of their choice. Throughout the month, DHS will highlight home and community-based services and other resources that are available to Georgia’s seniors and their caregivers and are designed to help them thrive.  

Did you know that there are a wide variety of services available to older adults through the Older Americans Act? The program assists individuals age 60 and older, and their caregivers, and includes a range of solutions to help older Georgians live safely, healthily, and independently in their homes and communities.

Some Home and Community Based Services include nutrition and wellness, in-home services, and caregiver programs. For nutrition and wellness, some of the programs include congregate, or group, meals at senior centers, home-delivered meals, nutrition and wellness education, counseling, physical fitness classes, and senior recreation. The in-home services programs include emergency response services, home modification and repair, home management training, friendly visiting, telephone reassurance, homemaker services, chore services, and personal care assistance. Caregiver programs include education and support groups, adult day services, mobile day care, kinship care programs, and respite care.  

The statewide aging network has dozens of terrific ways to get involved in the community by delivering a meal or lending an ear. Learn more about volunteer opportunities in your community here.  

To learn more about Home and Community Based services, visit our website here. For more information on these services, contact your local AAA.

Related to: 

• Division of Aging Services