Older Americans Month 2021 Proclamation
Whereas, May is recognized nationally as Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is Communities of Strength; and
Whereas, May is also Adult Abuse Prevention Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
Whereas, in Fairfax County, while recognizing the vitality of the county’s older adults, we also recognize that vulnerable older adults need protection from physical, mental, and financial abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Whereas, during fiscal year 2020, Fairfax County APS received 3,094 reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation, a nearly 15 percent increase from the previous year; and
Whereas, older adults have also been the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which led to significant increases in social isolation and loneliness for older adults, which we are working to reduce with initiatives in the Older Adults COVID-19 Response Plan; and