Celebrate Aging Unbound with OAI
Explore diverse aging experiences across Howard County as we promote positive thinking about growing older during Older Americans Month (OAM). For more information, view the OAM calendar.
Stay connected to OAI news you can use by reading the May issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly 50+ Center newsletters:
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A message from OAI's Acting Administrator Ofelia Ross Ott
Join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Older American's Month (OAM) and challenge the narrative on aging. The 2023 theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has created a calendar filled with opportunities to explore OAM workshops, lectures and programs. To start, pick up an OAM Passport Challenge card at your local 50+ Center beginning May 1. From May 1 through June 9, receive a stamp on your card for each activity you attend at any 50+ Centers. Once you earn six stamps, turn in your card to receive a gift and be entered into a drawing for a GO50+ Membership or Group Exercise Pass (a $75 value).
Don't miss the OAM Community Kickoff at the Ellicott City 50+ Center on May 10 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event features exhibitors, tours of the center and the adjacent 50+ Fitness Center, free Kona ice for the first 50 attendees, plus exercise demos, entertainment, and giveaways.
For more information about OAM events and activities, visit our website.
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Don't miss our OAM presentation: Breaking Age Stereotypes, by Dr. Laura Allen
May 13 / 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Bain 50+ Center / 5470 Ruth Keeton Way / Columbia 21044
Dr. Laura Allen, post-doctoral researcher at UMBC's Erickson School of Aging Studies, will discuss ageism and common age-based stereotypes, and suggest ways to combat age bias and celebrate longevity. Join us!
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Celebrate OAM at 50+ Centers
Howard County 50+ Centers offer endless opportunities for older adults to maintain a healthy mind and body - during Older Americans Month and all year long. Choose from a wide variety of in-person or virtual fitness classes, explore your passion for flower arranging, fashion or birding, or join us for lunch at a center near you to reconnect with old friends. For a look at what's coming up this month, view the May lunch menus and be sure to check out the following events, highlighted by our Center directors. Plus click the bar, below, to view new Center hours!
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Improve your memory with mnemonics
Glenwood 50+ Center / Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 / 9:30 a.m.
Roger Schwatz will lead a four-part workshop focused on using mnemonics to improve your memory and stay sharp. Free; sign-up in advance on ActiveNet.
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Bird walk at High Ridge Park
North Laurel 50+ Center
May 5 / 9 to 10 a.m.
Enjoy a morning stroll around High Ridge Park and learn the basics of birding and bird identification from a Howard County park ranger and bird expert! Plus, get tips on how to overcome accessibility barriers to birding. All experience levels welcome; register at the front desk or call 410-313-0380.
Passion for fashion
East Columbia 50+ Center / May 10 / 1 p.m. / Register
Enjoy a virtual visit from the Maryland Center for History and Culture discussing our thriving fashion scene. Delve into the lives of Elizabeth Bonaparte, Claire McCardell, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and others to learn how they influenced the fashion world. Lunch provided (lunch donation suggested). Register on ActiveNet.
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Mother's Day teacup flower arrangement
Ellicott City 50+ Center / May 12 / 11:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite teacup and saucer and join Michelle to create a lovely and unique teacup floral arrangement. Make one for yourself or for someone special in your life who needs a little pick-me-up. Cost: $10.
Birds of the National Capital Region
Elkridge 50+ Center / May 17 / 11 a.m. to noon
Discover the common and not so common birds of Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Join environmentalist Kurt Schwarz to explore the migration of local species and learn some interesting identification tips. Free. To reserve your space, call 410-313-5192.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day
Bain 50+ Center / May 31 / noon / Register
Celebrate the 30th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day and the theme, Move More to Do More! Join in a variety of activities which promote physical activity and learn how you can achieve your fitness goals at the Bain 50+ Center. Contact us for more information or to register at 410-313-7213.
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May is Mental Health Month: A time for caregivers to look around and look within
As we celebrate OAM, embracing longevity and "Aging Unbound," we must also acknowledge that May is Mental Health Month. The 2023 theme, "Look around and look within," is a time to consider how the environment and the world around us affects our mental health. This is especially important for caregivers.
Ideally, your home environment should give you and those in your care feelings of comfort, support and calmness. If not, there are things you can do to your space to help you be more productive, reduce stress and improve your mental health. OAI's Caregiver Support Program helps family caregivers who want to provide care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible, and addresses mental health concerns.
These services reflect the four core values of the caregiver support program: outreach, education, support, and resources. While we cannot change your situation, we can help you on your caregiver journey. Reach out to us for:
- Information about available services
- Assistance to gain access to services
- Individual counseling and support groups
- Education (Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Trualta e-learning portal, Dementia Live)
- Respite and supplemental services
OAM and Mental Health Month call attention to the silent but important contributions of family caregivers who assist Howard County's older adults. We encourage all caregivers to look around and look within, and take time to practice self-care, which can reduce the daily stress of being a caregiver. For assistance, contact Kathy Wehr, CSP manager at 410-313-5944, or Earnestine Thomas, caregiver specialist, at 410-313-5969.
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988: A lifeline to help those in crisis
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, OAI and the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) are helping to spread awareness of the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. OAI’s Mental Health Coordinator, Karen Hull, and HCPD’s Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator, Genny LaPorte, LCPC will be onsite at 50+ Centers to provide information and guidance on the 988 hotline. View the schedule here.
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Senior Planet presents: Money Matters
Ellicott City 50+ Center / Free
The internet can open a new world for you to save money and manage your finances. Learn the basics of online banking and find out how to keep your financial information safe. The discussion will include online shopping tips and explore digital resources to help you save money on entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items. Free in-person event; register on ActiveNet.
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Donate your used computer & electronic devices
May 15 - 19 / Various Howard County locations
Help OAI and PCs for People close the digital divide in Howard County by donating your used tech devices. Donated devices will be assessed, data-sanitized for security, refurbished and provided to families, individuals and nonprofits in need, or recycled. Accepted items include desktop PCs and accessories, laptops, tablets, smartphones, cellphones, monitors, mp3 players, game consoles/devices, speakers, digital cameras, LCD & plasma tvs, DVD players, cables, printers, fax machines, etc. Donations may be dropped off at the following locations during normal business hours:
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Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046
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Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21043
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North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723
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Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 MD-97, Cooksville 21723
For more information about the Tech Donation Drive, visit our website or contact Malarie Burgess, OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist, at 410-313-6542 (voice/relay).
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Moving tips & tricks: How to choose a moving company
- Get tips on hiring a reputable moving company
- Discuss the services movers provide and what the contract should include
- Learn how to spot - and avoid - common moving scams and fraud
- Find out what you can do if you are the victim of a moving scam
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Be financially savvy with home improvement dollars
May 19 / 11 a.m. to noon
North Laurel 50+ Center
OCP provides a step-by-step guide on how to pick a contractor, set up your project, and avoid common scams. Free; sign up at the North Laurel 50+ Center front desk or call 410-313-0380 for more information.
Car buying & car care
May 23 / 11 a.m. to noon / Glenwood 50+ Center / Register
Get the info you need to know about purchasing and caring for your car. For more information, call OCP at 410-313-6420.
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Veterans, find out how the PACT Act affects you
May 3 / 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. / Ten Oaks Ballroom / 5000 Signal Bell Lane Clarksville, 21029 / Register
The PACT Act expands VA benefits and health care for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during the Vietnam, Gulf War or Post-9/11 eras. Register for an appointment in advance (required) to find out how the Act affects you, meet one-on-one with a VA claims processor to file or follow up on a claim and get help applying for VA health care. Stop by the Resource Fair while you are there to meet with staff from OAI and the Office of Veterans & Military Families!
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For more information about Office on Aging & Independence programs, visit our website or follow us on social media @HoCoCommunity. If you need assistance, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters.
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