To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim May 2025 as Older Americans Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM) every May, a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
In Contra Costa County, we join in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF Proclaiming May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, the 2025 Older Americans Month theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges the outdated narratives about growing older and celebrates the diverse experiences, contributions, and independence of older adults across our communities; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is home to a growing older adult population, with approximately 193,816 residents aged 65 and over, making up 16.7% of the County’s total population; and
WHEREAS, in California, this demographic is projected to continue rising statewide, with adults over 60 expected to comprise 25% of the state’s population by 2030, placing California among the fastest-aging states in the nation; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) supports the implementation of the Master Plan for Aging for Contra Costa County, promoting the development of age- and disability-friendly communities by advocating for an infrastructure that fully and meaningfully prioritizes the needs of older and disabled adults and those who care for them; and
WHEREAS, the AAA served 25,587 people during Fiscal Year 2023-24 through a variety of services supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA), including home delivered meals, congregate meals, case management, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), transportation, and other programs.
WHEREAS, the AAA helps improve access to information, assistance, and resources to promote equity and visibility of services among older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers; and
WHEREAS, fostering age-friendly and intergenerational communities helps combat social isolation, supports mental and physical health, and ensures older adults remain active, engaged, and valued members of society.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims May 2025 as Older Americans Month and commits to promoting initiatives that empower older adults, strengthen intergenerational ties, and support continued collaboration among County partners dedicated to enhancing the lives of our older residents.