The May/June Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes the following articles:

•  Medicare and Disaster Preparedness
•  Ageism
•  Florida Senior Day 2015
•  Hardworking canine volunteer aids in the fight against elder abuse (This story is about a local Victim Advocate with the Area  Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and her dog -  she is a real local hero!)

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here. The 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide should be published in July.

Older Americans Month Census Facts

May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme of "Older Americans Month" is "Get Into The Act".  Every Year the U.S. Census Bureau provides a fact sheet to celebrate this month. 

Here are some highlights from this fact sheet:

• 44.7 million people in the U.S.were 65 or older in 2012
• $35,611 is the median income of householders 65 and older
• 9.5% is the poverty rate for people 65 and older
• 18.7% of Florida's population was 65 or older in 2012.
• 4.9 million full time year round workers were 65 and older in 2012.
• 9.3 million veterans of the armed services are age 65 or older 
• 62.4% of those 65 and above accessed the Internet  through a  high - speed Internet connection

The full census report can be found here.

Local Volunteer Wins State Award

At Florida Senior Day, Janet Mills was awarded the Champion of Service Award for her outstanding service for more than 10 years as a dedicated volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. During that time she helped more than 10,670 people with Medicare counseling. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your many years of service to Florida Seniors!

"Tacky Tourist" Fun Fest in Dunedin

The Lifestyles After 50 Tacky Tourist Fun Fest will be held on Friday, May 15th in Dunedin from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Admission and parking are free. The event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Entertainment
• Free coffee and goodies
• Free bingo and giveaways 

Our Lady of Lourdes Church at the Conmy Center
750 San Salvador Dr.  
Dunedin, FL 34698
1-888-670-0040 or 813-653-1988

Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month.  This observance was originally called "Senior Citizen's Month" when it was created in 1963, but it was renamed "Older Americans Month" by President Carter in 1980.  The purpose of Older Americans Month is to "recognize older Americans for their contributions to the nation".
The Administration for Community Living has announced the theme for this year - "Get into the Act". This theme focuses on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. 
If you are looking to get involved in your community, remember that the library has lots of opportunities for engagement. You can be a part of the New River Library community garden, help raise money for our children's programs by participating in our Friends of the Library groups, attend our Senior Socials, or volunteer at your local library!