Item 12: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260610-012: National Senior Center Month– September WHEREAS, the Austin Quality of Life Study for Older Adults found that older adults report high regard for programming and staff at the city’s libraries, parks, senior centers, and nonprofit organizations and recommended expanding social activities for older adults1; and WHEREAS, senior centers serve as vital community hubs that provide opportunities for social engagement, wellness, education, nutrition, recreation, volunteerism, and supportive services, while strengthening communities through civic participation, lifelong learning, volunteer service, and intergenerational connections2, 3; and WHEREAS, senior centers help reduce social isolation and promote healthy aging by connecting older adults to resources, friendships, and meaningful activities4; and WHEREAS, Austin-area senior centers and older adult programs support the health and well-being of diverse populations through culturally responsive and accessible programming; and WHEREAS, National Senior Center Month5 recognizes the important role senior centers play in enhancing quality of life and promoting dignity, independence, and inclusion for older adults. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim September 2026 as “National Senior Center Month” in Austin to recognize the important role senior centers and older adult programs play in reducing isolation, promoting healthy aging, encouraging lifelong learning and volunteerism, and connecting older adults to supportive services and community engagement opportunities. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study 2025-CAC-University of Indianapolis.pdf - Google Drive 2 How Senior Centers Champion Communities, National Council on Aging, April 2026 3 Why Senior Centers Are the Heart of Our Community: A Closer Look at Their Impact on Seniors, March 2025 4 How Senior Centers Help Older Adults Stay Social | AgeRight Blog, May 2025 5 Sponsored annually by the National Council on Aging Attest: _____________________________________________