State Marks Older Californians Month with Focus on Conversations That Promote Healthy Aging

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW — May is Older Californians Month, a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and promote healthy aging across communities. This year’s themes, "Age Well: Start the Conversation" and "Champion Your Health," focus on what it takes to age well and the role each of us play in that process.

SACRAMENTO — It often starts quietly: a missed call, a skipped meal, or a moment when a loved one needs a little more help than before.

For many families, these small moments are the first signs that it may be time to talk about aging, before there is a crisis, while there is time to plan, choose, and stay in control.

Older Californians Month highlights the importance of prevention, wellness, and staying engaged with the community. Championing your health means taking an active role in your well-being, asking questions, making informed decisions, and speaking up about what you need. Starting the conversation is one way to do that. It helps people think about what aging well looks like for them and share those preferences with the people who support them.

"Starting the conversation doesn’t have to be complicated," said California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois. "It begins with what matters most, like how you want to live, stay connected, and be supported. These informal conversations help people maintain their health, independence, and quality of life over time."

By 2030, more than 10 million Californians will be age 60 or older, representing nearly one in four residents. As the state marks Older Californians Month this May, individuals and families are encouraged to take a simple but important first step: start the conversation and take an active role in how they age. From there, people can connect with services and supports based on individual needs and goals.

Across the state, a network of local organizations works together to support older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Area Agencies on Aging and community-based partners provide services that help people stay healthy, live safely at home, and stay active in their communities. These services include nutrition programs, caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, and social connection programs such as the Friendship Line, which offers 24/7 emotional support for older adults and caregivers in multiple languages.

These supports help people manage their health, reduce isolation, and continue living independently. They also support family caregivers, who play a critical role in helping loved ones age with dignity and choice.

"We want people to know they are not alone in this," said California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. "There’s a network of support in every community to help people navigate aging, care for loved ones, and make decisions with confidence. When people know where to turn, it changes what aging can look like for them and their families."

Throughout the month, people are encouraged to:

• Start the conversation with family and loved ones about aging and future needs
• Take steps to stay active, support your health, and remain connected
• Learn about services and supports available in your community

Take the first steps to champion your health. Start the conversation and explore local services and support at aging.ca.gov.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING:
Under the umbrella of the California Health & Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) provides statewide leadership, oversight, and funding for programs and services that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. Through California’s aging network, including Area Agencies on Aging and other local providers, CDA helps Californians access services and supports that allow them to live with dignity, choice, and connection in their communities. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, State General Fund, and the Medi-Cal program. Learn more at aging.ca.gov.

DATE: May 4, 2026
Contact: California Department of Aging Office of Communications
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