The Lone Star State is taking strides to support its senior citizens throughout May, which is recognized as Older Americans Month. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has highlighted this year's theme, "Powered by Connection," underscoring the importance of social ties and their impact on the health and wellness of the elderly population. According to a statement on the HHSC website published today, burgeoning connections are critical to maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health among older adults.
With the third-largest population of adults ages 65 and older in the country, Texas is home to nearly 3.7 million seniors, representing about 13% of its total population, statistics from the Administration for Community Living’s 2020 Profile of Older Americans show. This places Texas just behind California and Florida in terms of its elderly demographic. Addressing the unique needs of this rapidly growing group has led HHSC to fully leverage the observance month to actively promote their available resources and to officially roll out a three-part, interactive webinar series aimed at educating on how to properly and effectively age.
The webinar series features sessions titled "Be Healthy," "Be Connected," and "Be Informed," each covering crucial aspects of aging with grace and vitality. The "Be Healthy" Webinar, scheduled for May 15, promises to delve into resources for chronic disease prevention, mental health, and more, highlighting Texercise, an established program designed to foster physical activity and healthy eating for individuals over 45. This was detailed in the recent HHSC release.
The "Be Connected" session on June 25 will share insights on the Age Well Live Well campaign's resources, including the Know Your Neighbor Campaign and the Ages United series, both of which aim to create a stronger sense of community among different generations. Come July 23, "Be Informed" plans to offer invaluable advice for caregivers on decision-making, future planning, and stress management. The campaigns "Texas Talks" and "Strengthen the Care You Give" will also feature prominently in the discussion.
Beyond the webinars, HHSC continues to provide a suite of services for senior Texans. Among these are Aging Texas Well, a strategic initiative reviewing policies impacting older Texans; Texercise, offering free physical activity and nutrition information; and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps with the purchase of food necessary for maintaining health. Area agencies on aging (AAA) and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are also pivotal in offering meals, fitness programs, and streamlined access to long-term support, ensuring that older adults in Texas have no shortage of resources at their disposal.
