Did you know that the number of people age 55-plus equals those under the age of 18 in Orange County, and that those age 85-plus are the fastest- growing group?

With boomers turning 65 every day, those under age 18 will soon be the minority.

Did you know that you can personally make a big difference in the lives of older adults in Orange County?

How?

By participating in the 2012-17 Master Aging Plan (MAP) process. Whether you know a boomer, caregiver, older adult - or are one yourself - the Orange County Department on Aging needs your help in planning for the future of Orange County's older adults.

Orange County continues to be an outstanding leader in the field of aging due to both its programs and services. To plan for the future, there will be a public 2012-17 MAP Kick-Off meeting today from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill.

At the Kick-Off, the Department on Aging will share with the community input received over the summer from county department directors, older adults and their families, and other Orange County leaders.

As a critical next step, attendees will prioritize the issues and needs facing Orange County's older adults. MAP work groups emerging from these prioritized topics will meet periodically over the next few months to recommend specific goals and strategies to be included in the final plan.

Your participation in the Kick-Off and continued involvement in the work groups will make a tremendous difference in the quality of life of our diverse older adult population. The Robert and Pearl Seymour Center and the Central Orange Senior Center were results of past MAPs. Just think of what can be achieved this time!

Once again, your experiences and input are valued and needed to help this MAP reach its potential. Please spread the word and call 968- 2070 to help us plan for the refreshments, and to say that you're coming.

I look forward to working with you throughout this exciting process. Thank you for your interest in the quality of life for senior adults and their families in Orange County. If you're unable to attend the meeting and would like to share your ideas, please email me at jtyler@co.orange.nc.us.

Janice Tyler

Director

Orange County Department

on Aging