Council on Aging - Southern California

05/30/2026

Good mental health days vary from person to person, and honoring that individuality is essential ✨.
Supporting loved ones on their mental health journey is just as important. Offering compassion, listening without judgment, and staying connected can help someone feel seen and valued💚.

Connection also strengthens resilience. Strong relationships help us cope with life changes, loss, and health challenges, reminding us that we are stronger together, at any age. Our Behavioral Health & Wellness programs reflect this every day—through groups, outings, and shared experiences that foster meaningful connection and community.

Learn more about how you can support the people in your life, explore available mental health resources and toolkits: www.coasc.org , https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/, https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month.

05/28/2026

Your Vote, Your Voice: Voting Rights in Long-Term Care

Living in a long-term care (LTC) community does not take away the right to vote. Whether you are a resident or supporting someone in care, every eligible voter has the right to be heard in every election.

Caregivers, family members, and trusted individuals can play an important role in helping residents understand their options and access the support they need—while always respecting the resident’s choices and privacy.

Upcoming California Elections:
• June 2, 2026 (Primary Election)
• November 3, 2026 (General Election)

Recently moved into a facility? You may need to update your voter registration:
registertovote.ca.gov

For additional information, visit the California Secretary of State:
sos.ca.gov/elections

For support or to report concerns, contact your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman:
coasc.org/ombudsman

Every voice matters. Help ensure it is heard.

05/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Remarkable Lives Speaker Series featuring Rita Moreno. 💛

From the inspiring conversation to the meaningful connections shared throughout the evening, your presence helped make this event truly special. Thank you to our guests, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and community partners for celebrating a remarkable life defined by resilience, creativity, and purpose. 🎭🌟

A special thank you to Stephen Galloway for guiding such an engaging and thoughtful conversation. 🎤

Together, we continue to support the mission of the Council on Aging – Southern California to help older adults remain healthy, connected, and protected.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also recognize the many older adults in our community whose courage, resilience, and dedication helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

At the Council on Aging – Southern California, we are grateful for the veterans, military families, and generations of older adults who continue to inspire us through their strength and service.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday weekend, let us take a moment to remember, reflect, and give thanks. ❤️🤍💙

05/24/2026

⚠️ Orange County Safety Update ⚠️

The Orange County Fire Authority has released a map identifying areas that could be most impacted if the malfunctioning chemical storage tank in Garden Grove were to result in an explosion or fire emergency.

Older adults, caregivers, and families in surrounding communities are encouraged to stay informed, monitor official emergency updates, and be prepared if conditions change.

Please follow the Orange County Fire Authority and local emergency officials for the latest safety information and evacuation guidance.

The exact nature of the damage, and what contingencies are in place to deal with it, have not been made clear.

05/24/2026

⚠️ Emergency Alert for Orange County Residents ⚠️

A State of Emergency has been declared for Orange County due to the hazardous situation in Garden Grove.

Your safety is the top priority. If you are in an evacuation area and have not yet evacuated, please leave immediately.

If you need assistance evacuating or information about emergency shelter locations, call (714) 628-7085.

We encourage older adults, caregivers, neighbors, and families to check in on one another during this time.

For official updates and emergency information, please follow the Orange County Fire Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

📲 Sign up for emergency alerts:
https://www.readyoc.com/text-alerts

05/22/2026

💜 Reminder: Join us for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2026 💜

This year’s theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” highlights the importance of turning education into action to better protect older adults in our communities.

🤝 Stronger Together: Protecting Older Adults Through Awareness, Advocacy & Action

📅 Friday, June 12
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Live on Zoom
🎓 Includes 2 CEUs

The OCASC Elder Abuse Prevention Committee invites professionals, caregivers, advocates, and community members to be part of this important conversation.

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/2026WEAAD

05/21/2026

Mental health is personal, and there is no one size fits all approach to well being.
Finding what supports you—whether through personal reflections, professional guidance, or meaningful relationships—can make a real difference. Connection is a vital part of care, reminding us that we don’t have to navigate challenges alone. 💚

🌐 To learn more and access helpful resources, visit https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/ & https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month;

05/19/2026

Creating a warm-weather care kit is like packing a little suitcase of compassion. 💛☀️ These simple items can make a meaningful difference for older adults, program participants, and residents in long-term care communities.

Care kits are always greatly appreciated and continually needed throughout the year. Whether assembled by a company, community group, school, church, or volunteer team, every donation helps bring comfort, dignity, and connection to someone who may be feeling isolated.

You don’t need to include every item—just contribute what you’re able to access or provide. Every act of kindness matters. 💛

If your corporate team, organization, or community group is interested in organizing a care kit drive, we would love to connect with you and welcome your support.

Creating a warm-weather care kit is like packing a little suitcase of compassion. 💛 Here’s a sunshine-ready list of essentials! You don't have to include every item on this list--just choose the ones you're able to access or afford.

Download the toolkit here: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/become-a-raktivist

05/18/2026

A landmark study of more than 6,600 adults ages 62 and older found nearly half (46%) reported lacking a fundamental sense of purpose, wholeness, and connection—what researchers call “fulfillment”—despite living in an era of longer life expectancy and medical advancement.

A massive new two-year study suggests the gap between how the elderly seem and how they feel may be more damaging than we all think.