Howard County Virtual 50+ Center

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Pre-pandemic, older adults were at risk for social isolation due to various reasons including physical changes and role changes such as becoming a caregiver, retiring from the workforce, and loss of partners, family, and friends. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, stay at home orders and senior center closures significantly limited older adults’ social circles and supports. Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services Office on Aging and Independence recognized the risk of significant negative impact on older adults’ mental health and established the Virtual 50+ Center beginning May 2, 2020. The Virtual 50+ Center became an integral support providing social connections via a remote option when older adults were socially isolated and disconnected from many traditional in-person supports. Howard County continues to operate the Virtual 50+ Center with a robust programming schedule of lifelong learning, education and virtual exercise options.