May is Older Americans Month, an occasion that’s been marked with proclamations by elected bodies throughout Virginia. The idea is to make people aware of resources and support that may be available for those who are in advanced years as well as those who provide eldercare.
JABA was founded in 1975 as the Jefferson Area Board for Aging and executive director Marta Keane said this is a good time to consider the demographic changes underway in Albemarle given that the percentage of people over the age of 65 is growing.
“The theme for this year, Powered by Connections, is so very appropriate,” Keane said. “Albemarle really facilitates a lot of connections between agencies that work to help seniors and creating situations and activities that support seniors.”
When it was time for the Albemarle Board of Supervisors to adopt their proclamation, Rio District Supervisor Ned Gallaway read a poem by Maya Angelou called On Aging. You’ll be able to hear that in the podcast version whenever it’s produced.
Five days later, Keane appeared at Charlottesville City Council where Mayor Juandiego Wade read from the city’s proclamation.
“Charlottesville recognizes how, through their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults guide our younger generations and carry forward abundant cultural and historical knowledge,” Wade read.
“The theme of Older Americans Month is ‘Powered by Connection’ recognizing the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being and the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combating isolation, loneliness, and other issues,” Wade continued.
Wade encouraged people watching and listening to think about the older people in their lives.
Keane thanked Council for their support for both JABA and for tax relief for elderly residents who qualify.
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