Dept. of Aging advises Ohioans to embrace ‘Aging Unbound’

        May is Older Americans Month – a time to celebrate the 2.8 million Ohioans ages 60 and older and the many ways they contribute to, support, and benefit from their communities.
        This year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual celebration. The 2023 theme for Older Americans Month, established by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), is “Aging Unbound,” which is meant to inspire people of all ages to challenge the way they think about aging.
        “Every day, more older Ohioans are becoming empowered to maintain their independence. They are vibrant and full of vitality – remaining active contributors in their communities well past retirement age – and they enrich our lives through their unique backgrounds and experiences,” said Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy. “’Aging Unbound’ is the perfect theme for this year’s Older Americans Month celebration because, in Ohio, we have placed a strong focus on enabling older adults to age on their own terms, at their preferred pace, and in their preferred environment.”
        “Aging Unbound” for Older Americans Month 2023 challenges Ohioans to recognize that age does not limit one’s potential. This year’s theme encourages older Ohioans to keep pushing boundaries by trying something new or going on an adventure.
        Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted issued a proclamation in recognition of Older Americans Month for 2023.
        People ages 60 and older are among the fastest growing populations in Ohio and make up nearly one-quarter of the state’s population.
        ODA strives to empower all Ohioans to live longer, healthier lives, with dignity and autonomy. In October 2022, the agency launched Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging – a strategic framework on how people of all ages can do their part to promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
        Older Americans Month also honors the thousands of family caregivers, frontline workers, advocates, volunteers, and others who make up Ohio’s aging network.
        To learn more about ways you and your loved ones can age well, visit aging.ohio.gov.
        To learn about Older Americans Month celebrations in your community, or to access services and supports near you, contact the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio at areaofficeonaging.com or call 419-382-0624 or 800-472-7277.