Aging & Independence

About us

The Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) is Howard County’s premier resource for dynamic, quality of life programs, services, and supports for all ages of adulthood. OAI's mission is to ensure that Howard County older adults and persons with disabilities have the resources they need to grow, thrive and live with dignity, by improving access to services and supports, promoting individual choice, and enhancing efficiency and quality of services. Our priorities are to:

Decrease social isolation and increase social connection.
Expand ethnic & cultural diversity across programs & services.
Promote healthy aging.

For information about facility closings or delays due to inclement weather, call 410-313-7777 (voice/relay).

4 photos: Black older man smiling, group of older adult cyclists smiling, older adult white couple dancing, Asian women dancing in traditional outfits

Our Programs and Services

Older adult fills in paperwork with help from worker

Information & Assistance

Maryland Access Point of Howard County (MAP) is a trusted source of information and assistance for Howard County residents who want to plan for their immediate and future needs.

#HocoAging Events and Activities

Search, find and register for OAI activities on ActiveNet.

Group Of Retired Seniors Attending Art Class In Community Centre With Teacher

50+ Centers

Pursue an active and vital lifestyle through the many offerings at Howard County’s 50+ Centers.

Age-Friendly Howard County

Age-Friendly Howard County seeks to create a livable community where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and engaged.

Women buys lunch for older adult in wheelchair

Aging in Place

Supportive care options for older adults and those who care for them to support Aging in Place.

Aerial view of housing suburb during fall

Housing Resources

Housing information for independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, and community-based services and supports.

Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness

Information and resources on elder fraud and abuse prevention.

Older adult couple with community service worker

Medicare Information and Counseling

Learn about what our Certified Medicare Counselors can do for you.

Digital quity image of older adults using laptops

Digital Education

Programs and services that pave the way for digital education and inclusion.

Health, Fitness & Wellness

A range of services to promote physical, mental, and social well-being

Nutrition

Nutrition services to promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities.

man and woman exercise lifting dumbbell in fitness gym

50+ Fitness

Find out more information about 50+ fitness with #HocoAging

Commission on Aging

The Howard County Commission on Aging is a volunteer advisory board to the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence.

Portrait of a Happy Helpful Black Female Volunteer

Volunteer with #HoCoAging

Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Department of Aging & Independence.

Our Publications and Newsletters

Resource Guide 2025

View the Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers

OAI Digital Newsletter

Monthly e-newsletter featuring news and events for older adults in Howard County.

50+ Connection

Monthly newsletter of the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence, published in the Howard County edition of The Beacon.

Subscribe to our newsletters

Upcoming Events

Events

14 Jun

DCRS Information/Event Request Form

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Community Resources and Services participating in and/or speaking at your event. To make a request, please complete and submit the following form at least two weeks prior to the event, and allow five business days for decisions to be made.