The senior population in the town of Dartmouth continues to grow, with the percentage of seniors over the age of 50 reaching approximately 33% of the town’s total population, according to Council on Aging Director Amy DiPietro. 

With that being said, the Select Board signed a proclamation last month officially announcing May to be “Older Americans Month” for 2024. 

Select Board Chair Shawn McDonald read the proclamation, “The town of Dartmouth includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their strengths, wisdom and experience to our town and our community and whereas communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are welcome and included and supportive.”

The proclamation goes on to discuss the role of the Council on Aging and its importance in creating a community that provides services and supports necessary for seniors to thrive and live independently for as long as possible. 

The proclamation further highlights the importance of creating an “inclusive society” and supporting “older Americans’ choices about how they age in their communities.”

DiPietro said, “We have actually seen a significant increase in the participation numbers at our center, which has been absolutely wonderful.”

She highlighted how the Council on Aging looks to promote healthy aging, and wants to expand its outreach to younger older adults such as those who are newly retired. 

In order to achieve these goals, she said they are constantly changing up the programming and services offered.

Though every day at the Council on Aging is dedicated to older Americans, taking a month to recognize and celebrate the “achievements and the lifelong experiences of our older adults” is important, DiPietro said.

“We are just really hoping to send a positive image of aging,” she added.

The Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly are sponsoring an Older Americans Month breakfast on Tuesday, May 28, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Council on Aging.