Building on a national campaign that encourages organizations and communities to unleash the power of age during Older Americans Month in May, the Ohio Department of Aging is asking older Ohioans and baby boomers to tap into their own personal strengths to enhance their lives and those of others. Ohio’s 2013 Older Americans Month theme, “Unleash Your Power: Be a Golden Buckeye!” encourages all Ohioans to live lives inspired by their age, not defined by it.
Unleash Your Power: Be a Golden Buckeye!”When we choose to live lives as ‘Golden Buckeyes,’ we are choosing to be respected and vital members of society who continue to grow, thrive and contribute throughout the lifespan,” said Bonnie Kantor-Burman, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “More than 2.3 million individuals age 60 or older and another estimated two million baby boomers live in Ohio today. Imagine the benefits for our state and all of our residents when we are able to fully unleash their power.”
Golden Buckeyes are people who make smart decisions to improve and maintain their health throughout the lifespan. They know their options and seek opportunities. They leverage their power as consumers and expect excellence. By striving for the highest quality of life, Golden Buckeyes help Ohio stay on the leading edge of innovation and be responsive to our growing and changing older population.
Visit the Ohio Department of Aging’s special Older Americans Month Web page for information and resources to help Golden Buckeyes unleash their potential in many ways, from improving their personal health, to volunteering their time and talent, to brushing up their skills and remaining in or returning to the workforce and more. You’ll also find tools for residents to proclaim that they are Golden Buckeyes and invite their friends and relatives to do the same.
Since 1963, people in towns and cities across the nation have used the month of May to celebrate the contributions of older Americans. The Ohio Department of Aging has sponsored Older Americans Month in the state since 1977 and sets a state theme. The national theme for 2013, established by the federal Administration for Community Living, is “Unleash the Power of Age!” Ohio’s theme builds on that with a personal call to “Unleash the Power: Be a Golden Buckeye!”
The Ohio Department of Aging works to ensure that Ohio is on the leading edge of innovation in responding to the growing and changing aging population. We work with state agencies, area agencies on aging and other local partners to help integrate aging needs into local plans and ensure that aging Ohioans have access to a wide array of high-quality services and supports that are person-centered in policy and practice. Our programs include the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.
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