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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: A Call to Action to Protect Vulnerable Older Adults
Observed on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older adults.
Financial fraud costs older adults almost $3 billion a year. They are often targeted by scammers pretending to be someone else via phone, mail, email, online and on social media. Unfortunately, older adults are also victims of financial exploitation by family, friends or caregivers. It's important to learn how to spot, stop and report financial abuse of elders, especially for those on the frontlines of safeguarding older adults and prosecuting their abusers.
On June 13, the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) will host a forum for professionals in the fields of aging, law enforcement and elder law to gain insights into the types of fraud and exploitation which target vulnerable older adults. Prevent the Exploitation of Older Adults will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at OAI's offices, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The forum will feature a keynote address by Janet Morgan from the Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud & Vulnerable Victims Unit. Register by June 5.
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Start Living Well today - OAI can help!
Ongoing, six-week workshops at 50+ Centers and other locations
OAI's Living Well program offers free, evidence-based workshops designed to help adults manage chronic conditions, diabetes and chronic pain. Participants meet weekly in small groups to learn practical self-management tools to improve their nutrition and exercise habits, manage stress and create an action plan for success. Offered in English, Korean and Spanish, workshops focus on chronic disease, diabetes and chronic pain self-management. View the upcoming schedule. For more information, email Heather Sites or call 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).
Virtual Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Tuesday/Thursday, July 8 - September 18, 2 - 3 p.m. | Virtual
For more information or to register, call Rachel Filar at 410-313-6073
Improve strength, flexibility and balance with this easy-on-the-joints class, while managing discomfort with gentle range-of-motion movements.
Partially funded under the Older Americans Act, the cost for those under 59 is $83 for the entire session. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make a donation to ensure viability of the program.
Better Balance
Ellicott City 50+ Center & East Columbia 50+ Center
July 7 - September 17, Monday/Wednesday, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. | More info
July 8 - September 18, Tuesday/Thursday, 9 - 10 a.m. | More info
Prescreening is required before enrolling; call 410-313-6073 to schedule.
This class has been proven effective for people whose chronic conditions affects their balance and/or for those who feel unsteady on their feet. Classes include walking, barre, and seated exercises. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make a suggested donation to ensure the viability of the program; the cost for those 59 and under is $78.50 for the series.
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June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
Take charge of your brain health and join the fight to end Alzheimer's and other dementia. OAI offers a full lineup of programs focused on Alzheimer’s, dementia and caregiver support. Whether you're a caregiver or simply want to learn more about brain health, we invite you to join us for these upcoming events:
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Alzheimer’s Education Series (in English & Korean) | June 11 and June 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Various locations
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar | 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive | June 6 or 7, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For registration information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/dementia. Learn more about brain health at www.alz.org.
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Coming in June to OAI 50+ Centers
Father's Day is Sunday, June 15! Join OAI staff to recognize the fathers, father figures and grandfathers in our community for the support and guidance they provide as role models for future generations. Thanks for all you do!
OAI's 50+ centers are hosting an exciting array of activities and events in June to kick off summer. From energizing fitness classes and engaging workshops to fun social events, music and creative arts, there are endless opportunities to make the most of the season. Learn more in the June issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly Spring and Summer center newsletters, below. Visit the Howard County ActiveNet registration site to register.
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Here are links to the Spring and Summer 50+ center newsletters:
Subscribe to have these publications sent directly to your inbox. Here are some events coming up in June, highlighted by our 50+ center directors:
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Game Night
East Columbia 50+ Center
June 9, 4:30 p.m. | Register
Are you a fan of board and card games? If so, don't miss an evening of fun and socialization at the center. Bring your favorite game or use one of ours.
Celebrate Juneteenth & Father’s Day with The Maryland Opera
Bain 50+ Center | June 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Register
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” celebrates the rich treasure of African American musicians and their music, including spirituals, art songs and operatic arias. Tickets are available at the front desk; lunch donation applies.
Medically Curious: Senior Arthritis
Glenwood 50+ Center | June 17, 1 - 2 p.m. | Register
Retired ER doctor Larry Roman leads June's Medically Curious discussion on essential health topics for older adults. Explore the causes, symptoms and treatment of arthritis and its effects on mobility, comfort and quality of life.
Peabody Harmony Project Performance
Elkridge 50+ Center | June 16, 3 - 4 p.m. | Register
This ensemble, founded by siblings Michael and Emily Shi of Glenelg High School, returns to delight us once again with their beautiful mix of vocal and instrumental performances. Call 410-313-5192 for more information.
Fire Extinguisher Usage Demo
North Laurel 50+ Center | June 18, 10 a.m. - noon | Register
Join Saboor Khan, DCRS' Emergency Management Specialist, a volunteer firefighter and EMT to learn about fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher. Gain valuable skills that could help in an emergency!
The Power of Music for Wellness & Healing
Bain 50+ Center | June 25, 11 a.m. - noon | Register
Learn how music affects the brain and why it is an effective nonpharmaceutical intervention for those with neurocognitive disorders, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injuries and chronic/terminal illnesses.
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Summer Solstice Artisan & Craft Bazaar
Ellicott City 50+ Center
June 27, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Don’t miss our first ever Summer Craft Fair! Shop from a wide variety of vendors while staying cool indoors. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade crafted items for all occasions and seasons. No registration is required. Admission is $1; all proceeds benefit Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue.
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Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Looking for fresh, healthy food on a limited income? The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program helps eligible seniors purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at participating local farmers' markets. Supplies are limited, so apply early!
Eligibility requirements:
- Older adults aged 60+
- Current resident of Howard County
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Household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g., $28,953 annually for a person living alone)
How to apply:
Visit mda.maryland.gov to apply. For paper or translated applications, contact Danielle Clifford-Earles, OAI Nutrition Program Manager, at 410-313-3506.
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Senior Planet: Intro to Photo Editing Tools & Learning Lab
North Laurel 50+ Center | June 24, 10 a.m. - noon | Register
Tired of blurry vacation photos with random people in the background? Explore how photo editing tools and apps can do to enhance your photos. You’ll soon be on your way to "photoshopping" with ease! Visit bit.ly/HoCoDigitalInclusion for more information on Senior Planet classes in Howard County or contact mburgess@howardcountymd.gov.
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Thank you for your support of the OAI Showcase!
That's a wrap! This year, OAI took a bold step by trying out a new venue for our OAI Showcase: The Art of Healthy Aging, held May 9 at the Mall in Columbia. The feedback we've received so far from sponsors, presenters, staff and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you, one and all, for embracing this new direction!
To top off the event's success, we are thrilled to share that the marketing and communications materials designed and created by our Social Media & Graphic Design Coordinator, Angie Blum, have won the 2025 Hermes Creative Award, Platinum level. This recognition is a testament to the creativity, strategy, and excellence behind our message. Congratulations, Angie!
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Good Vibes and Voices Concert
June 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
Rockburn Branch Park
Free | Register
Current and former service members and military families are invited to enjoy a night of music and entertainment, featuring lawn games, food, fun and opportunities for healing conversations. Plus, learn about local resources for service members, veterans and military families.
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Unity in the Community Block Party
June 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Laurel Woods Elementary School
9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel
The Howard County Office of the Local Children's Board continues its Unity in the Community Resource & Wellness series with a block party featuring activities for all ages: face painting, a moon bounce, a DJ & music, student performances and mini workshops. Pick up information about local resources and get free food and groceries, while quantities last. Co-sponsored by Howard County Public School System.
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Get Age-Friendly Howard County's FREE Guide to Creating Readable Materials
If you create or edit educational and marketing materials, Age-Friendly publication guidelines can help you help people of all ages read, understand and act on your messages. Whether you are a business owner, a government agency or a non-profit, faith-based or community organization, or just someone trying to communicate better, these guidelines can help you create more age-friendly and ADA compliant messaging. Download the FREE guide.
AARP Livable Communities found the guide was not only intentionally created but reflected the tips in its structure and design. It will be featured in an AARP webinar, Beyond Words: Developing Age-Inclusive Communication for All Audiences, on June 10, from 3 - 4 p.m. Register to attend the webinar.
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OASIS 2025: Older Adult Summit Instructional Seminars
Monday - Thursday | June 2 - 5, 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Register
Howard Community College, Duncan Hall 100 | $49 per day
Embrace lifelong learning at Howard Community College’s premier older adult summit. Join HCC for an enriching four-day seminar series featuring engaging sessions led by HCC faculty and industry experts. Each day explores a unique theme designed to inform, inspire, and empower lifelong learners. For more information, call 443-518-1700.
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Celebrating 50 years of service to Howard County
The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, along with the creation of the original Office on Aging! Join the celebration at the Elkridge 50+ Center open house on Friday, June 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The center is located at 6540 Washington Boulevard in Elkridge. Join us as we showcase our diverse programs and activities for older adults in the Elkridge community. Light refreshments served. Learn more about DCRS' 50th anniversary events.
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Got a minute? Take the HoCo Arts & Culture Survey
By engaging with the Howard County community, the HoCo Arts & Culture Plan Steering Committee is developing a collective vision for the role of arts and culture. This plan will define a community-driven strategy for arts and culture in the region, aligning with and strengthening Howard County’s critical priority areas. Take the survey to share your voice and help shape the plan!
| | 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/map. | | | | |
