This Older Californians Month, Start the Conversation with Your Family to Connect with California’s Aging Resources
01 May 2024 - 6:59PM
Business Wire
Enhanced Aging Resource Guide from the
California Department of Aging Connects Older Adults, Adults with
Disabilities, and Family Caregivers with a Variety of Resources
Available in the State
Governor Newsom proclaimed May as Older Californians Month and
this year’s theme of connection highlights the importance that
social engagement and meaningful relationships have on our health
and well-being. In support, the California Department of Aging
(CDA) launched the "Start the Conversation" campaign to encourage
and support connections, helping older adults, adults with
disabilities, family caregivers, and loved ones connect with the
wide variety of aging services offered in California. The enhanced
Aging in California Resource Guide, in print and online this month,
provides Californians a starting point to connect with information
and support.
"Older Californians offer so much to our state, and California
offers a variety of resources to support this growing population,"
said CDA Director Susan DeMarois. "The theme of connection
is an excellent reminder for us all to reach out and connect with
the older adults in our lives. Maintaining social connections
benefits everyone by supporting health and well-being, avoiding
social isolation and loneliness, and much more.”
“There is an undeniable connection between the health of older
adults, the resources California and our local partners provide,
and the support of families, friends, and caregivers,” said
California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark
Ghaly. “May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and the
combination with Older Californians Month reinforces how important
support and connection are, especially for our older Californians,
to help them continue leading healthy, happy lives.”
WHY CONNECTION IS CRITICAL: Starting the conversation
goes beyond just planning logistics. Social isolation and
loneliness are associated with higher risks for health problems
like heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Talking
openly with your loved ones about your aging preferences and
concerns is a powerful way to strengthen your connection. These
conversations can pave the way for a more supported and
collaborative aging experience.
WHAT CALIFORNIA’S AGING RESOURCE GUIDE OFFERS:
California’s free online Aging Resource Guide shares information
about a variety of programs and services available to older adults,
adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. California
provides a range of programs, services, and resources to support
older adults, but they aren’t all widely known. Some highlights
from the guide include:
- Health Insurance Counseling – Volunteer counselors provide
free, personalized, and confidential information about various
types of insurance.
- Caregiver Support – Information, counseling, and respite are
available to help family members who provide care for older loved
ones.
- Information on Elder Abuse – Learn about common types of abuse,
signs to watch for, and how to report abuse to local authorities
and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Reducing Social Isolation – The free Friendship Line is
available 24 hours a day to support those who may need a friendly
conversation: 888-670-1360.
START THE CONVERSATION: California’s Aging Resource Guide
is available at aging.ca.gov/aging_resources.
BIGGER PICTURE: California’s population continues to
change, and older adults will make up an increasing percentage of
the population. The number of Californians over the age of 60 is
expected to grow to 10.3 million people by the year 2030, making up
one-quarter of the state’s population. This is not a challenge, but
rather an opportunity. California’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA) is
the state’s 10-year blueprint to prepare for a larger, more
diverse, and older population. Learn more about the MPA and follow
the progress of more than 200 active initiatives with the MPA
Implementation Tracker.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501369301/en/
California Department of Aging Office of Communications Sara
Eisenberg, sara.eisenberg@aging.ca.gov, 279-675-2522