ABOUT US

The Office on Aging and Independence promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our citizens to remain independent as they grow older. Our commitment to a No Wrong Door approach makes it easier for older adults, caregivers, adults with disabilities and their families to find the services they need.

Jenna Crawley, Administrator 

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6410 (voice/relay)
Email: aging@howardcountymd.gov

For general information and assistance, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-1234 or email map@howardcountymd.gov.

Searchable online MAP database: www.marylandaccesspoint.info

Read The 50+ Connection

Virtual Offerings Guide Available

NEW! Virtual Offerings Guide October 2020

Korean American Senior Association Virtual Program Guide

Virtual Offerings Guide September 2020

As we each take steps to maintain our optimal health and wellness during the coronavirus pandemic, please know that the staff at Howard County Office on Aging and Independence continues to serve our community.

While our Patuxent Woods office, 50+ centers and the Loan Closet of Howard County are closed to the public, many of our employees are teleworking, and we are committed to providing excellent service and an optimal customer experience. For our residents and program registrants, we are offering virtual programs to engage, inspire and motivate. This includes exercise classes in various formats and levels as well as lifelong learning, social and creative opportunities.

Click here for information and registration details on our new virtual offerings, including our new monthly exercise pass.

2020 Resource Guides Available

The 2020 edition of Howard County's Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers has been published. Free copies are available at all Howard County 50+ centers and libraries. To have a single copy mailed to you, call Maryland Access Point, 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). To request larger quantities for your office or community location, contact the Office on Aging and Independence at 410-313-6410 to arrange for pickup at OAI offices, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, 21046. The 2020 Resource Guide may also be viewed online.

Ask a Pharmacist (Virtual Q&A)

Thursday, October 1 / 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

The Office on Aging and Independence will present a virtual Q&A via Webex with Pharmacist Ruth Ayuk, of DiscoverU Health. Join us from the comfort and safety of your own home to  ask questions about specific medications, prescription side-effects/interactions with other drugs, or related pharmaceutical topics of concern to you. Questions may be emailed in advance to Malarie Burgess at mburgess@howardcountymd.gov. FREE; please register at https://bit.ly/3eMwwjo  

HoCo 50+ Virtual Fitness Pass

Stay active, healthy and connected from home with a HoCo50+ Virtual Fitness Pass. For one monthly fee, you can access a wide variety of exercise classes via Webex using a laptop, tablet or personal computer. To participate in the Fitness Pass, you must be a member of Howard County’s 50+ Centers. The monthly fee is $50; click on the flier above for details.  View the October Virtual Programs Guide for a full schedule of classes.

Grab & Go Meal Distribution

A limited amount of frozen meal packs are available for older adults age 60+ who are experiencing food access issues during COVID-19. The SUGGESTED donation is $47.32 per SEVEN-PACK MEAL KIT ($6.76/meal). Donations ensure the continued viability of the program; a donation envelope is provided with each kit. For more information or to register (required) call Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). 

The Maryland Department of Aging is encouraging residents over the age of 65 to participate in this free program. Click the image above for more information on enrollment, call-time schedules and more.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Office on Aging and Independence launched the Age-Friendly Howard County initiative in December 2019. Visit the Age-Friendly webpage for more information and join our mailing list for news of upcoming workshops and ways to get involved.