Albemarle and Charlottesville both mark Older Americans Month

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated each May as Senior Citizens Month to honor those over the age of 65, a symbolic action that resulted in the Older Americans Act being signed two years later by his successor, President Lyndon Johnson.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name of the month to Older Americans Month and it has been celebrated every year with proclamations issued at the local level. Albemarle County Supervisors took that action on April 15.

“Albemarle County must ensure that older Americans have the resources and support needed to stay involved in their communities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and connectedness,” said Supervisor Fred Missel, reading from a resolution.

That fits with this year’s theme of Champion Your Health. Christina Evans, CEO of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging, thanked Albemarle for their support.

“Some of our programs and services that we offer are life sustaining,” Evans said. “Nutrition is at the forefront, May being about championing your health. It’s one of our focuses moving forward. As we all know, costs are increasing, food costs are increasing and it’s one of the programs that we are really putting a lot of emphasis behind.”

Supervisor Ned Gallaway is now in his third term representing the Jack Jouett District. He noted that at one point he was the youngest member of the Board but that’s not the case now.

“We all get older,” Gallaway said. “In fact we all aspire to get older and even older yet. And it’s at that point where when you start thinking about, oh well, 20 years down the road, decisions I’m making now, healthwise are going to dictate what kind of living I will be able to do when I’m older. So I appreciate that as your theme.”

Charlottesville City Council took up their proclamation on May 4.

“Charlottesville benefits when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently,” said Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade.

For more information on the month, visit JABA’s website.

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