Welcome to Office on Aging

Welcome The Orange County Office on Aging serves as the lead advocate, planner and facilitator relative to all aging issues on behalf of all older persons in Orange County. Together with our partners, the Office on Aging provides a full range of older adult services which are listed throughout the website, including information and assistance on programs and services available for older adults and their caregivers.

The Office on Aging is committed to helping older adults experience the highest possible quality of life. Our pledge is to keep this site current and ever-evolving to reflect the needs of the community.

Latest News

March 2010

A Healthy Brain is a Happy Brain
Free Alzheimer’s Disease Information Available

By: Ivy Lee
Erin Ulibarri, MPH

It’s the brain’s moment to shine! In honor of Brain Awareness Week (March 15-21), the Office on Aging is promoting Alzheimer’s disease awareness. It is no secret that Alzheimer’s disease greatly impacts our county. In 2008 alone, over 46,000 Orange County older adults had Alzheimer’s. By the year 2030, that number is expected to increase by 99% (Alzheimer’s Association California Alzheimer’s Disease Data Report, 2009).

While the exact causes of the disease are unknown, research suggests that there are many simple things you can do to help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Maintain a brain-healthy diet. Eat plenty of cold water fish (especially Omega 3-rich salmon and trout), nuts, whole grains, berries, and leafy greens each week.

2. Stay socially & mentally active. Volunteer, join clubs (bridge, square dancing, hiking), read, write, and solve riddles and puzzles to stimulate the body and mind.

3. Avoid tobacco & excess alcohol. These toxins not only increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s, they also increase the chances of developing it at an earlier age (www.helpguide.org).

4. Exercise. Moderate exercise on a regular basis (at least 30 minutes five times a week) keeps the blood flowing and is essential for your brain health.

Being aware of the facts surrounding this disease is an important part of healthy aging. The Orange County Office on Aging is now offering free Alzheimer’s disease education packets containing information on medication options and legal/financial planning for those with, or who are at risk for, Alzheimer’s disease. For a free packet and/or a referral, call 1-800-510-2020 or 1-714-567-7500.

Give your brain the credit it deserves. Call now.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available

By: Erin Ulibarri, MPH

April 15 may seem far off, but tax day will be here before you know it. Now is the time to prepare for and complete your tax forms. You do not have to tackle your tax return all alone. Help is available.

Many sites in Orange County began offering free assistance on February 1, 2010. Trained and professional volunteers are available to help you, face-to-face, with completing simple tax returns. Appointments are required at most of the sites and are available until April 15 on certain days and times during the week. This service is for those over 60 years old with low or middle incomes. Some sites also offer assistance in languages other than English.

The Office on Aging has a comprehensive listing of these sites, including the dates and times of operation. Call the Information and Assistance Line at 1-800-510-2020 or 1-714-567-7500 and the friendly and caring specialists will connect you to the nearest location to meet your specific need.

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