SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council declared the month of May as Older Americans Month. The resolution recognizes the contributions of older adults in Summit County, highlights the Age-Friendly Summit County initiative, and encourages professionals and residents to attend the 2022 Senior Summit.
As Summit County’s residents age, transportation, recreation, communication, healthcare, finance, and civic engagement will require adaptations to meet the needs of an older population. In 2019, County Executive Shapiro announced that Summit County would embark on becoming an AARP Age-Friendly Community, a process that reviews the needs of the County’s older residents and moves the community toward age-friendly goals. Thus far, County Executive Shapiro has convened key stakeholders to produce a strategic plan, a process which is nearing completion. As these recommendations are made and pursued, County Executive Shapiro encourages residents to get involved in making Summit County a more livable community for people of all ages.
“If Summit County is to continue to support the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of residents, we need to prepare for the changes that come with an aging population. We need to encourage and empower older adults to be active members of our community through inclusive and innovate services,” said County Executive Shapiro. “I am confident that with our incredible partners this vision can become a reality.”
Beyond Age-Friendly, several government offices, community organizations, and their partners are hosting events in May. Summit County Probate Court and Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer are hosting the 2022 Senior Summit this month. A professional conference will take place on Friday, May 13 and a free, public expo will take place on Saturday, May 14 at Firestone CLC from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Senior Summit offers a venue for community members and leaders to come together with professionals from the government, healthcare, education, and other sectors to celebrate seniors and commit to tackling the challenges of an aging community.
Direction Home Akron Canton, Dementia Friends Ohio, the Akron-Summit County Library and other organizations are also involved in hosting events in Summit County, including Celebrate the Possible! County Executive Shapiro encourages residents to get involved with these events and more this May!
What: 2022 Senior Summit
Who: Summit County Probate Court and partners
When: Friday, May 13 for professionals—Saturday, May 14 for the public
Where: Firestone CLC 470 Castle Blvd. in Akron
What: Celebrate the Possible!
Who: Dementia Friends Ohio, Direction Home Akron Canton, and partners
When: Friday, May 20 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch 60 S. High St. in Akron
