(Council Bluffs) – Connections Area Agency on Aging is celebrating Older Americans Month and honoring “Communities of Strength” by donating Beyond Driving with Dignity workbooks for older drivers and their families. These workbooks will be distributed as gifts to all of the public libraries in the twenty-county service area which Connections Area Agency on Aging serves.

Connections Area Agency on Aging hopes that having these workbooks in local communities will empower the families and caregivers of older drivers. “It will give them tools to step out of their own comfort zone to help keep a loved-one safe and independent for many years to come” stated Jan Schnack, Family Caregiver Community Engagement Specialist at Connections Area Agency on Aging. She continued, “Our staff at Connections believe this workbook will serve as an invaluable resource for caring and compassionate caregivers struggling with concern for an older driver.” Local libraries play a key role by allowing us to provide easy access to this workbook at no cost to families.

The book distribution and other activities this month are part of an ongoing celebration of Older Americans Month. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. This year, we are celebrating all of the ways older adults connect with others to build “Communities of Strength.” Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties.

Connections Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Program supports people who care for their parents, spouses, or others aged 60+ by providing information, resources, and support. For more information on the press release please contact Jan Schnack, Family Caregiver Community Engagement Specialist at Connections Area Agency on Aging at 800-432-9209, Ext. 8116 or JSchnack@connectionsaaa.org.