May 2024

Celebrating Older Americans Month

Powered by Connection



Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.



This year’s theme, "Powered by Connection," focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults — a relationship underscored by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.



It's not just about having a friend to talk to, it’s also about the potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, which ultimately promotes healthy aging for more Americans.

How can community groups, businesses, and organizations spread the word about Older Americans Month (OAM)?

• Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.
•  Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
• Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.
• Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
• Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.

What can individuals do to connect?

• Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community. 
• Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.
• Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

For more information on Older Americans Month: Powered by Connection, visit the official OAM website and follow the Administration for Community Living on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.

Don’t Miss Out on Your FREE Fire HD Tablet

There’s still plenty of time to sign up and take classes!

Advantage Aging Solutions continues to provides hundreds of FREE online classes each month through their partnership with GetSetUp!

We have a new promotion that started this past March for all of our registered users!! Each User who completes 15 classes over the course of two-months will be awarded a FIRE HD Tablet at no cost.

This promotion runs in two-month intervals: March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October. The 15 classes must be completed within one of those two-month time frames. Once completed, we will contact the users to let them know they qualify for the promotion and coordinate the FIRE HD Tablet giveaway.

Topics include: Fitness, Travel, Cooking, Finance and so much more! Have fun and go experience all the classes that GetSetUp has to offer!!

If you’ve completed your classes for March and April, Advantage Aging Solutions will be in touch with you soon so you can claim your free tablet!

Click Here to sign up: https://www.getsetup.io/partner/NorthFlorida

For more information on this promotion, please visit our website.

If you have further questions, please reach out to Advantage Aging Solutions staff member, Marc Moncrief at 850-488-0055.

** Only ONE tablet per person will be awarded for the duration of this promotion.

*In order to track your classes and be eligible for a free tablet, all learners MUST register on the GetSetUp Partner link at https://www.getsetup.io/partner/NorthFlorida

Medicare Moments

Transitioning from the Health Insurance Marketplace To Medicare

Did you know that most people receiving health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, created by the Affordable Care Act, should enroll in Medicare to obtain their health and drug coverage when turning 65?

Exceptions:

• You are eligible for Medicare because you have End-Stage Renal Disease (have kidney disease that requires dialysis).
• You are paying a premium for your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).
• In these two cases, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan instead of Medicare, but you run the risk of a late enrollment fee or gap in coverage if you delay your Medicare enrollment until later.

Transitioning to Medicare:

• If you do not enroll in Medicare when first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment fee.
• You may experience a gap in coverage.
• Marketplace plans do not work with Medicare.
• Contact the Marketplace at least 14 days before you want to your
• Marketplace coverage to end. Keep in mind that you want to be covered up until your Medicare starts.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare.

To learn more and better understand all the options available to you, let a SHINE Medicare Counselor compare costs and coverage for you.

Elder Helpline: 866-467-4624

SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is offered locally by Advantage Aging Solutions.

SHINE provides free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health choices.

Cost savings could be yours too through the Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help Program.