Aging & Independence

About us

The Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) is Howard County’s premier resource for dynamic, quality of life programs, services, and supports for all ages of adulthood. 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 to:

Decrease social isolation and increase social connection.
Expand ethnic & cultural diversity across programs & services.
Promote healthy aging.

For information about facility closings or delays due to inclement weather, call 410-313-7777 (voice/relay).

A collage of photos of older adults in Howard County

Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

The Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo is FREE. If you are 50+ and looking for employment, register today!

At the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, you can

Network with other Jobseekers in Chat.
Attend two virtual morning Workshops relevant to the 50+ Jobseekers.
Hear from area employers talk about their organization and openings.
Ask the employers question in Chat.

Employers with full-time and part-time salaried job opportunities are participating.

To learn more about the employment expo and register, click here

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Our Programs and Services

Older adult fills in paperwork with help from worker

Information & Assistance

Maryland Access Point of Howard County (MAP) is a trusted source of information and assistance for Howard County residents who want to plan for their immediate and future needs.

#HocoAging Events and Activities

Search, find and register for OAI activities on ActiveNet.

Group Of Retired Seniors Attending Art Class In Community Centre With Teacher

50+ Centers

Pursue an active and vital lifestyle through the many offerings at Howard County’s 50+ Centers.

Age-Friendly Howard County

Age-Friendly Howard County seeks to create a livable community where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and engaged.

Women buys lunch for older adult in wheelchair

Aging in Place

Supportive care options for older adults and those who care for them to support Aging in Place.

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Housing Resources

Housing information for independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, and community-based services and supports.

Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness

Information and resources on elder fraud and abuse prevention.

Older adult couple with community service worker

Medicare Information and Counseling

Learn about what our Certified Medicare Counselors can do for you.

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Digital Education

Programs and services that pave the way for digital education and inclusion.

Health, Fitness & Wellness

A range of services to promote physical, mental, and social well-being

Nutrition

Nutrition services to promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities.

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50+ Fitness

Find out more information about 50+ fitness with #HocoAging

Commission on Aging

The Howard County Commission on Aging is a volunteer advisory board to the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence.

Portrait of a Happy Helpful Black Female Volunteer

Volunteer with #HoCoAging

Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Department of Aging & Independence.

Our Publications and Newsletters

Resource Guide 2025

View the Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers

OAI 2023 Highlights

OAI is the regional leader in innovative programs and services that promotes independence, respect and dignity for older adults and adults with disabilities. Click here for our 2023 highlights

OAI Digital Newsletter

A free monthly newsletter from the Office on Aging and Independence, distributed via Constant Contact to subscribers.

50+ Connection

Monthly newsletter of the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence, published in the Howard County edition of The Beacon.

Subscribe to our newsletters

Coming Events

Events

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DCRS Information/Event Request Form

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Community Resources and Services participating in and/or speaking at your event. To make a request, please complete and submit the following form at least two weeks prior to the event, and allow five business days for decisions to be made.