State Kicks off the Governor's Conference on Aging

CHICAGO - Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., today gave remarks at the opening session of the Governor’s Conference on Aging.  The three day event is set for December 12, 13, and 14, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers in downtown Chicago.  This is the 31st annual conference which is considered the largest statewide meeting and comprehensive training for people who work in the network of serving older adults.

There were more than two million older adults in Illinois in 2010 (according to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity).  That number is expected to grow by almost ten percent by 2030.  Professionals in the field of serving older adults attend the conference each year to network and learn the latest research, trends and developments in supportive technology.

“This is our premier event of the year that brings all of us together as colleagues in the aging network,” said Director Holton.  “Few conferences can boast a 31 year consecutive run and this is testimony to the fine educational sessions and speakers presented.  I want to welcome our friends from across the state and thank the partners and sponsors, speakers, and department staff who’ve worked hard to present this year’s event.”

Co-sponsors of this year’s conference include the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter; the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services; and the Senior Health Insurance Program (operated by the Illinois Department of Insurance).

Later this week, IDoA will host an awards program to honor individuals from across the state who have shown outstanding dedication and compassion about aging issues.  Each year, the awards program serves to officially end the Governor’s Conference on Aging.  The names of the 2012 awardees will be announced Friday, December 14, 2012 (with a press release issued).

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, visit www.state.il.us/aging or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.