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 Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
