About Us

The Office on Aging & Independence serves as Howard County’s premier resource for dynamic, quality of life programs, services and supports for all ages of adulthood.

Mission & Priorities

OAI's mission is to ensure that Howard County older adults and persons with disabilities have the resources they need to grow, thrive, and live with dignity, by improving access to services and supports, promoting individual choice, and enhancing efficiency and quality of services. Our priorities are:

  • Decrease Social Isolation and Increase Social Connectedness
  • Expand Ethnic & Cultural Diversity Across Programs & Services
  • Promote Healthy Aging

Call the DCRS Emergency Status Hotline for information about closings or delays, at 410-313-7777.

Digital quity image of older adults using laptops

Stay in the know!

Read the March issue of the Office on Aging & Independence's digital newsletter to learn about the grand opening celebration of the East Columbia 50+ Center, National Nutrition Month information, coming events at 50+ Centers, a Living Well workshop offered in Korean, support for caregivers and much more. Subscribe now to have each issue delivered to your inbox. 

March 2024 photo from the OAI digital newsletter of an older adult man potting plants

2024 Howard County Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers

The Howard County Resource Guide for Older Adults, Adults with Disabilities and Caregivers has been newly updated for 2024.

Join us for lunch at 50+ Centers

Join us for a meal at a Howard County 50+ Center to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, celebrate a birthday or just enjoy a nutritious lunch! Five of the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) 50+ Centers offer lunch on various days of the week – Bain, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Glenwood, and North Laurel. For more information, view the current menus.

Let's Do Lunch logo with a knife and form inside a yellow circle

Programs & Resources

Title

Information & Assistance

Content

Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County is the gateway for information and assistance for older adults, persons with disabilities, family members and caregivers who need or want to plan for future needs.   

Title

50+ Centers

Content

Pursue an active and vital lifestyle through the many offerings at Howard County’s 50+ Centers. Centers offer a wide variety of programs and services including fitness programs, educational opportunities in the arts and humanities; wellness classes and many opportunities for social and recreational activities.

Title

Age-Friendly Howard County

Content

An age-friendly community respects everyone regardless of age or stage of life, and provides basic components that make it a safe place to grow old and grow up.  Click to view more information and the eight domains of livability identified by AARP and the World Health Organization that help make a community age-friendly.

Title

Care Options

Content

A range of services to assist older adults to remain independent in the community with support.

Title

Digital Inclusion & Senior Planet

Content

The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is paving the way for a more digitally inclusive Howard County.

Title

Health Promotion & Nutrition Services

Content

Improving the health and quality of life for older adults and persons with disabilities through a variety of programs and services including exercise, fitness and nutrition programs, wellness classes and evidence-based programs. 

Title

Housing Options

Content

Older adult housing options are numerous, and include independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. MAP can assist you in navigating all the housing options available and determine those that are most appropriate for you or your loved one. 

Title

Additional Programs & Services

Content

Learn about a variety of programs and services that support healthy aging in the community. 

Title

Publications & Reports

Content

Subscribe to the latest publications, reports and plans for the Office on Aging and Independence, including OAI's digital newsletter, distributed via Constant Contact, and the 50+ Connection, published monthly in the Howard County Beacon.

Title

Volunteer Opportunities

Content

Various opportunities to engage with your community.

Title

Community Engagement and Outreach Request

Content

If you would like to request the Office on Aging and Independence to provide a presentation or participate in a community event, please click here to complete the request form .  Please submit the request form at least 2 weeks prior to the event, and allow 3-5 business days for decisions to be made.

Commission on Aging

The Howard County Commission on Aging is a 15-member volunteer advisory board to the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence. The Commission accomplishes its work through the activities of task forces and committees, researches legislation at the county and state level that impacts the health and wellbeing of older adults and their families, and provides testimony when appropriate. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council for three-year terms. They represent diverse professional backgrounds, various age and ethnic groups, and many geographic areas of the county.

Learn More

 

Newsletter Sign-Up

Get email updates on 50+ center activities, health and wellness programs, virtual and in-person classes and other services from the Office on Aging and Independence.

Team

Headshot of woman with long dark hair wearing black blazer - Ofelia Ross Ott
Ofelia Ross Ott
Administrator
default-avatar
Terri Hansen
Age-Friendly Manager
default-avatar
Courtney Harangozo
Health Promotion and Nutrition Division Manager
default-avatar
Peters Omoregie
Home and Community Based Services Division Manager
default-avatar
Matt Madera
50+ Center Division Manager

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.
 

Zip Code