BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- County legislators have proclaimed May as Older Americans Month, with the theme of "Powered By Connection" for 2024.

"St. Lawrence County includes a rapidly growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom and experience to our community," officials say.

The theme, "Powered By Connection," is to recognize "the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being," officials say.

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has provided services that help older adults remain healthy and independent by complementing existing medical and health care systems, helping prevent hospital readmissions, and supporting some of the most basic functions, such as bathing or preparing meals.

County officials say they recognize the need to create a community that offers services and supports older adults who may need to make choices about how they age.

Some of the ways officials say they hope to build an even better community for older residents is by sharing facts about mental, physical and emotional health benefits of social connection, promoting resources to help older adults engage, such as community events and social clubs, along with connecting older adults to local services like transportation.

Other initiatives include encouraging partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support or similar efforts and by challenging professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and to share the benefits.

Officials say all residents are encouraged to explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence, and aging in place by combating isolation and loneliness.