Older Americans Month Honored in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – May 15, 2015.  Governor Bruce Rauner has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Illinois and joins the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) to honor more than two million adults, aged 60 years or older, who live in the state. The governor’s proclamation coincides with the national observance each May and this year’s 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. (See the full proclamation on the next page). Older Americans Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of community engagement as a tool for enhancing the wellbeing of older adults.

This year’s Older American Month theme is Get into the Act to highlight how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. “I am pleased to honor older adults for the contributions they make to Illinois and for the good of our country,” said Director Holton. “I encourage older adults to stay involved with their communities and continue making a difference.”

Throughout the month, IDoA, the area agencies on aging, and a network of local service providers are holding events to recognize older adults including the 17th Annual Central Illinois Senior Celebration, May 28, at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The event features free health screenings, information, exhibitors, prizes and entertainment.

For more information about programs and services to assist older adults in Illinois, their families and caregivers, log on to the department website at:  http://www.illinois.gov/aging/ or call the Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966 or (TTY, hearing impaired use) call 1-888-206-1327.

The text of the Governor’s proclamation follows:

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois is home to more than two million residents aged 60 years or older; and,

WHEREAS, the older adults of the State of Illinois are a vital part of our nation’s demographic makeup; and

WHEREAS, older adults are members of our community entitled to dignified, independent lives free from fears, myths, and misconceptions about aging; and,

WHEREAS, each community in the United States must strive to recognize, understand and address the evolving needs of older adults, and support their caregivers; and

WHEREAS, our society is dependent upon intergenerational cooperation and support, and benefits from our collective efforts to serve older adults and the people who love and care for them; and,

WHEREAS, numbers are increasing of adults reaching retirement age and remaining strong and active for longer than ever before; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has worked to develop strategies to get older adults engaged in civic activity in their communities and to encourage interaction between the generations; and,

WHEREAS, older adults in our state deserve to be recognized for the contributions they have made and will continue to make to the culture, economy, and character of our community and our nation; and,

WHEREAS, this year’s Older Americans Month theme Get Into the Act, focuses on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

THEREFORE, I, Bruce Rauner, Governor of the State of Illinois, do herby proclaim May 2015 as OLDER AMERICANS MONTH in Illinois, and encourage all older adults to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities across the State of Illinois.