Gratitude to our Counties for Older Americans Month
Aging Together is grateful to the five counties in Planning District 09, Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock, who have again proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in our region. 
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM) as a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults. The counties are encouraged by Aging Together to follow with their own individual proclamations, and each one has. “And they have done so for several years now”, says Ellen Phipps, Executive Director of Aging Together. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to draw attention to the importance of supporting older adults in our communities, and for our county governments who help reinforce this throughout the entire region.”
This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Flip the Script on Aging” which focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions (acl.gov). “We know all too well the ideas, behaviors, and language that mistakenly sets older adults apart, as though they are a separate group in society, and one that is not as capable, informed, or physically adept simply because they have reached a certain age,” says Phipps.
Older Adults are the backbone of our communities, exemplifying the wisdom and experience that only comes with living longer. Older adults contribute more volunteer hours and support the region financially. Contrary to popular perception, most older adults are engaged and physically and socially active.
“Thanks to the lead our counties take to honor Older Americans Month - we are slowly eroding some of the stigmas related to aging, says Phipps. “Aging in place helps to support communities that are great for everyone”.
 
The mission of Aging Together is, through partnerships, to connect people to communities and resources to improve quality of life asfocuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. we age. Aging Together serves the counties of  Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock.
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