May is Older Americans Month | | |
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
The 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages taking an active role in managing your own health, advocating for yourself, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.
How can individuals take charge of their health at every age?
- Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings.
- Build and maintain social connections that support emotional well-being.
- Choose nutritious, minimally processed foods.
- Incorporate regular physical activity to maintain strength and mobility.
- Practice daily habits that support mental health and resilience.
Take the next step in championing your own health
Our website's Healthy Living section is designed to support older adults at every stage—whether you’re looking for practical tips, trusted resources, or inspiration to stay active, connected, and independent.
Explore resources that help you make informed choices, build healthy habits, and take charge of your well‑being today and into the future.
| | | California Celebrates Older Adults | |
For us here in the Golden State, it's also Older Californians Month
Older Californians Month recognizes the contributions of older adults and highlights the importance of healthy aging across California's communities.
This year's theme, Age Well: Start the Conversation encourages people to talk with family and loved ones early about aging. These conversations can help people plan ahead, make informed choices, reduce stress, and connect to support that helps them stay well,independent, and connected. Taking steps to stay active and informed is part of how we can all champion our health as we age.
Whether it is about health, connection, support, or future needs, talking early can help individuals and families find the right resources.
Start the conversation. Explore resources at aging.ca.gov
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Bring healthy aging programs to your community
Staying healthy doesn’t have to mean going it alone.
Agency on Aging Area 4 offers free, engaging health promotion programs designed specifically for older adults—and we bring them directly to community centers, senior living communities, and libraries across the region.
From fall prevention and exercise to nutrition, diabetes management, and Bingocize®, our evidence‑based programs make learning fun while helping participants build confidence and practical skills for everyday wellness. Each program focuses on small, achievable changes that support long‑term health, independence, and quality of life.
Interested in hosting a program or learning more?
Click on the flyer above, email us, or visit our website for program descriptions and details on how to schedule a session for your community.
| | Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month | | |
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the lasting contributions AAPI communities have made to American history, culture, and society.
AARP is inviting us all to join us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month this May, and beyond, with their line-up of free, fun, and informative events:
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Origami for Brain
Health & Joy
May 11, 2026
Virtual
In this interactive intergenerational session, you’ll learn some origami paper folding designs rooted in cultural tradition while exploring how activities like origami can support brain healthy behaviors.
Through focus, creativity, and mindfulness, participants will discover simple ways to stay mentally engaged, reduce stress, and make new connections.
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Mahjong 101:
Learn the Basics
May 12, 2026
Virtual
Join this beginner-friendly online program and learn the basics of this classic and increasingly popular strategy game with AARP volunteer, Jeanne Wun.
Whether you’re totally new or just need a refresher, learn how to play, score, win and, above all, enjoy the game.
Let’s shuffle the tiles and begin!
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An AAPI Financial Fraud Prevention Talk
May 28, 2026
Virtual
Join this special event with Emmy Award-winning Journalist, David Louie who will interview former FBI agent, Lester Kwok on financial scams targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and how to stop them.
Attendees will walk away with critical fraud prevention information and have an opportunity to ask Kwok questions live.
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Additional Resources for
the AAPI Community
The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) helps AANHPI older adults with limited English proficiency navigate and access services including Medicare, Medicaid, ACA Marketplace, Social Security, SSI, SNAP, LIHEAP, vaccinations, etc..
They can provide support in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, and English.
| | | National Women's Health Week May 10-16 | | |
Every May, beginning on Mother's Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women's Health (OWH) leads National Women's Health Week (NWHW). This observance highlights women's health conditions and priorities and encourages women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Tips to Improve Health Care Visits
Whether you are seeking help for a specific health issue or you are getting a checkup, health care visits are an important part of supporting your health and well-being. It is recommended that everyone get a checkup every year to maintain good health and screen for any potential issues. Additionally, you know your body best, and it is important to seek care early when something feels off.
Get ready before you go
Be open, write down your symptoms, concerns current medications, gather and share your family history, be honest and bring support if you want it.
Know your patient rights and share your thoughts
Among your many rights as a patient are the right to understand your treatment options and the right to receive respectful care. Have an open conversation, ask questions, and discuss concerns if you have any.
Understand that change and second opinions are ok
If you are unsure about a treatment plan, cannot get your questions answered, or don’t feel heard, you can look for a different health care provider who understands you better or might make you feel more comfortable.
Take charge and follow
Take the next steps, stay in touch with your health care team, keep a health journal, put your self-care first, follow up, learn more, and schedule follow up visits.
You can also download a Tips to Improve Health Care Visits fact sheet.
Healthy living at any age
The foundation of good health is the same no matter your age! Eat healthy, be active, go to the doctor or nurse for regular checkups, take care of your mental health, and don't take unnecessary risks, like texting while driving.
Choose your decade below to find out what steps you can take for good health!
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Women and Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Two out of three women have one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease, and this increases with age. Having multiple risk factors greatly increases a person’s chance of developing coronary heart disease.
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May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It’s the perfect time to highlight the many health benefits of physical activity and empower people to get moving.
Physical activity is essential to maintaining good health, reducing the risk of many chronic diseases, and supporting overall mental well-being. Regular physical activity can help people:
- Reduce stress and care for their mental health
- Get better quality sleep
- Perform at their best at school or work
- Strengthen social connections
- Lower their risk for serious health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes
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Move your way: tips for getting motivated
Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy, but it can be hard to get started. Watch this video from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) for tips to get motivated. Then use this interactive tool to build your personalized weekly activity plan.
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Muévete a tu manera: consejos para motivarte
Todos necesitan hacer actividad física para mantenerse sanos, pero puede ser difícil empezar. Mira este video donde encontrarás ideas para motivarte. Luego, usa este recurso interactivo para crear un plan personalizado de actividad física para la semana.
| | More Good Days, Together: Mental Health Awareness Month | | |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental well‑being is an essential part of healthy aging. This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” emphasizes the power of connection, community, and support in helping older adults thrive.
Later life can bring unique challenges—such as loss, health changes, or adjusting to retirement—that may affect emotional well‑being.
The connection between sleep and your mental health
One often overlooked factor is sleep, which plays a critical role in mood, memory, and overall quality of life. While sleep patterns may change with age, the need for rest does not. Consistent, quality sleep supports mental health and helps reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Simple ways to support better sleep include:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
- Keeping bedrooms quiet, dark, and cool
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol, especially later in the day
- Staying physically active, but avoiding intense exercise close to bedtime
- Keeping naps short—10 to 20 minutes is best
If sleep problems persist, talk with a healthcare provider about safe options and strategies that may help. For more information on sleep and aging, visit the De Moines University Clinic website.
Together, by staying informed, connected, and proactive, we can support more good days—for ourselves and one another.
Stay connected, stay well
Strong connections are key to mental health at any age. Simple, everyday actions can help you feel more engaged and supported:
- Reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor
- Join a class, group, or activity you enjoy
- Volunteer or get involved in your community
- Stay active and spend time with others
Even small moments of connection can boost your mood and sense of purpose.
Looking for more ideas? Explore tips and resources to stay connected here.
| | Protect Your Skin: Skin Cancer Awareness Month | | |
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that protecting your skin is one of the simplest—and most powerful—steps you can take for your health. Most skin cancers are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, making prevention both possible and essential.
Know the facts:
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and worldwide
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop it by age 70
- Just 5 sunburns can double your risk of melanoma
- When caught early, melanoma has a 99% survival rate
The good news? Early detection saves lives—and you play a key role. A quick monthly head-to-toe skin check can help you spot changes early, when treatment is most effective.
Not sure what to look for? Learn how to do a simple self-check.
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Yuba & Sutter Counties:
Dine Around Town Enrollment Open Now
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Open Enrollment for Dine Around Town Program begins today, May 1, 2026.
Dine Around Town is a non-traditional congregate nutrition program that offers meals at local partner restaurants.
Program Participants can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner during the week or weekend at no cost to them. Visit our website to learn more about the Dine Around Town Program and application process.
| | | Breathe Better with Asthma, Wherever You Are | | |
May is Asthma Awareness Month, a great time to take steps that help you breathe easier—at home and outdoors. Managing asthma starts with recognizing your triggers and making small adjustments to reduce exposure.
At home, common triggers include dust, pet dander, pests, and smoke. Simple changes—like using a HEPA vacuum, protecting bedding from dust mites, and avoiding secondhand smoke—can make a big difference.
Outdoors, air quality and weather matter. Cold, dry air and pollution can worsen symptoms. Before heading outside, check your local air quality at airnow.gov and plan activities when conditions are better.
Staying on track also means working with your healthcare provider on a plan that includes medications and tracking your symptoms over time.
Want to learn more? Explore trusted resources from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Create a healthier home
Use the interactive Healthier Home Checklist for simple, room-by-room tips to reduce asthma and allergy triggers.
| | Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | | VIDEO: How to pick seasonal produce | | This Month's Healthy Aging Recipes | |
Whole Wheat Cranberry Muffins
Start your day with a wholesome boost. These whole wheat cranberry muffins deliver fiber to support heart health and digestion, while the tart cranberries add a naturally vibrant burst of flavor. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or an easy grab-and-go snack, they’re a simple way to fuel your day with ingredients that do your body good.
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Asian Marinated Vegetable Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Bright, crisp, and full of life, this colorful salad makes healthy eating feel effortless. Packed with a variety of vegetables and a tangy citrus vinaigrette, it offers vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support overall wellness. It’s a refreshing way to add more plant-based goodness to your plate—each bite as nourishing as it is flavorful.
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Turkey and Bean Tostadas with Avocado-Tomato Salsa
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of tostadas with a heart-health twist. Lean turkey and fiber-rich beans provide protein and lasting energy, while the fresh avocado-tomato salsa adds healthy fats and vibrant flavor. By baking instead of frying, this dish keeps things lighter while still delivering the textures and tastes you love.
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Blueberry Mango Smoothie
Sip your way to better health with this refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie. Blueberries bring powerful antioxidants, while mango adds natural sweetness and vitamin C for immune support. Whether enjoyed as a light breakfast or a satisfying treat, this smoothie is a delicious way to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
| | GetSetUp: Free Online Classes for Older Adults | | |
We have teamed up with GetSetUp to provide hundreds of live online classes to keep you mentally, physically, and socially active. Classes are interactive, easy to join, offered day and night and free for our community.
All those 60+ are welcome and workshops are free when using passcode "area4-ca".
| | This Month's Featured Classes | |
Series: Older Americans Month Series
Each week focuses on a different way to stay active and engaged:
- Week 1: Balance and flexibility
- Week 2: Creativity
- Week 3: Healthy eating
- Week 4: Brain health
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SPF Uncovered: How to Read and Use SPF Products
Unlock the secrets of SPF in this class! Discover what SPF numbers really mean and how to effectively use SPF in makeup for daily protection. Ideal for anyone looking to blend beauty with health, ensuring their skin stays protected and radiant all year long.
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Building Balanced Meals and Healthy Habits
Tired of confusing meal plans and portion guessing? Learn how to build healthy, satisfying meals using simple guidelines. We'll also cover sustainable strategies like intermittent fasting and mindful eating.
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10 Seconds of Calm
The Practice of 10 Seconds of Calm takes only 10 seconds (less or more) it’s up to you. Some call it a ‘mini mindful meditation’. It can be done anywhere, anytime, and nobody knows you're doing it. The Practice works well when responding to triggers, difficult situations, and stresses. It is also excellent to incorporate into everyday life to begin to lessen your worries, stresses, and anxiety, build your calm, inner peace, and more.
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Don’t Get Tricked: AI Voice Scam Awareness
Empower yourself against AI voice fraud. In an age where AI voice technology is advancing rapidly, the risk of falling prey to AI voice scams has increased. Learn what AI voice scams are and how these scams operate so you are better able to identify and avoid them. Stay secure and informed!
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Morning Fitness - Let’s Get Moving
This class is a gentle cardio class with an emphasis on proper form while moving. The class is designed to safely increase core body temperature, raise heart and respiration rate. The rate of perceived exertion scale will be used to determine intensity of the workout. Modifications are provided to allow learners of all fitness levels to participate.
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Fun Brain Games
Brain games have many benefits besides being fun. Physical exercise keeps our bodies strong and now scientific evidence suggests that mental exercise keeps our brains young. Join in our community’s brain games to share some laughs while keeping mentally fit.
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Organic Gardening 101: How to Get Started
Join this class to discover how to start your very own organic garden! In this class, we will cover why organic gardening benefits both you and the environment, how to select the best location for your plants and tips for choosing the right seeds. Perfect for beginners eager to grow their food healthily.
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This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging.
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