Gov. Abbott Proclaims May as Older Texans Month
Office of the Texas Governor, Greg Abbott • May 18, 2020
There are more than 3.6 million Texans over the age of 65, and these people create the strong and prosperous foundation upon which our state is built.These great Texans enrich our culture by imparting wisdom upon younger generations and inspire our communities with their hard work, vision, sacrifice, and diverse experiences.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, area agencies on aging, local authorities, and a network of other community partners are committed to strengthening our communities by connecting with and supporting older
Texans, their families, and their caregivers, as well as acknowledging the valuable contributions of Texans who are older to our state.
We can bring together all generations of Texans to enhance the lives of older Texans in our communities. The changing needs of a growing number of Texans who are older can present new challenges, but our communities will rise to that challenge to ensure older Texans receive the support they need, whether that be in health care, employment, transportation, or other areas of life.
At this time, I encourage all younger Texans to recognize, support, and engage with their older peers, which will create richer communities and increase the vibrancy of our state as a whole.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2020 to be Older Texans Month.
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) opened a new congregate meal site in Marshall on Monday, December 15th. Older adults, aged 60 and up, eligible for the Senior Nutrition Program will be able to enjoy a hot lunch, good conversation, and a friendly place to gather. Location George Washington Carver Community Center 2302 Holland St Marshall, TX 75670 Meal Hours Monday–Thursday 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Phone 903-923-8410 The Senior Nutrition Program supports adults age 60 and older through both congregate meals and home-delivered meals. These meals follow dietary guidelines and help older adults stay connected and healthy. For folks who can’t travel, home-delivered meals bring food, a wellness check, and a bit of company to their door. How to Enroll Adults age 60 and older can join the Senior Nutrition Program by contacting the provider for their county listed at: easttexasaaa.org/nutrition , or by receiving a referral from AAA staff. Caregivers who care for someone receiving home-delivered meals may also be referred for services by calling AAA. The Carver Community Center site will give more Marshall and Harrison County residents a place to eat, visit, and keep a steady routine. If you or someone you know could benefit, contact the AAA for assistance!
