Each May we observe Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.

The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. Join us on May 28 at the Alachua County Senior Center from 2 - 4 PM to learn about older adults in our community who defy stereotypes.

(Click photo to register for each event)

Save the Dates in May and June 2025:

May:

• Community Health and Resource Fair, Saturday, May 17, Marion County, Tabernacle of Deliverance Church from 10 AM - 3 PM Click HERE for more information
• Office Closed, Friday May 23
• Older Americans Month: Flip the Script on Aging, Wednesday, May 28, Elder Options and ElderCare of Alachua County, 2-4 PM

June:

• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events (see below for list)
• Office Closed, Thursday, June 19th.

Funding for SHINE and Healthy Aging programs is in jeopardy.  As the US Congress continues 2026 budget talks, they are considering eliminating all funding for these critical programs.

• SHINE provides free, unbiased, and confidential counseling assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Our team of dedicated volunteers and staff helped beneficiaries choose plans, save money on prescriptions, identify fraud, and even submit appeals.

• Healthy Aging programs provide communities with evidence-based wellness classes designed to empower older adults to manage their health. Classes are taught by staff and community partners, like senior centers and health departments in small group settings.

You can tell your elected officials how you feel about ending senior programs! There are two quick and easy ways you can do this: 

Call or email our Senators and Representatives

Senator Rick Scott - (202) 224-5274

https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Senator Ashley Moody - 202-224-3041

https://www.moody.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/

Find your representative here:

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

At 83 years old, Gainesville native Callie Bryant radiates a love for life and people that’s as vibrant as her garden. One of 14 siblings, Callie grew up on a farm surrounded by goats, chickens, and a close-knit family. Callie welcomed me into her home with warmth, and lit up as she spoke about her seven grandchildren, with two more on the way.

“I love people—I give back because I love them,” she said simply. That love shows up in the many ways Callie engages with her community. 

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We love taking time to recognize the amazing individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our mission. We hosted special events to celebrate our Caregiver Volunteers and SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Volunteers—just a small token of our gratitude. Thank you to every one of you for the difference you make every day!

For more photos from our celebrations, visit us Facebook!

To learn more about volunteering with us, visit https://agingresources.org/volunteers/

The following classes are starting soon. To learn more, and register, click on "Sign up for a Class Today!": link. Our website is searchable by city name.

Caregiver Support Groups

• Zoom, Second Monday of every Month
• Gainesville, Second and Fourth Tuesday of every Month

Savvy Caregiver Training

• Zoom, May 15

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program

• Gainesville, July 7

Coping with Caregiving

• Oxford, June 4

A Matter of Balance

• Ocala, June 5

Eating for Prevention

• Gainesville, June 24

SHINE hosts monthly virtual Medicare classes. To request SHINE counseling, call our Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 or visit www.floridashine.org to view counseling sites. Click the links below to view the May and June schedule.