|
"This year's Older American Month theme is 'Unleash the Power of
Age' to highlight the significant contributions made by older
adults. On behalf of the governor, I am pleased to honor older
adults who have contributed to make Illinois great and to better our
country. I encourage they stay positive and remain productive," said
Holton.
In recognition of the annual observance and to raise awareness,
Holton and department staff have granted interviews, served on
information panels and spoken at events to highlight state programs
that support independent living and other protections to seniors.
Older Americans Month is celebrated with ceremonies, events,
fairs and other such activities. The Department on Aging, the Area
Agencies on Aging and a network of local service providers are
having events throughout the month. Event hosts and sponsors offer
health screenings, information, entertainment, refreshments and
prizes. The 15th annual Central Illinois Senior Celebration was on
Wednesday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
For more information about program services to assist older
adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Senior HelpLine at
1-800-252-8966 or, for hearing-impaired use only, call TTY
1-888-206-1327.
The text of the governor's
proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, the State
of Illinois is home to more than two million citizens aged 60 years
or older; and,
WHEREAS, the older
Americans of the State of Illinois are a vital part of our nation's
demographic makeup; and,
WHEREAS, older
citizens are members of our community entitled to dignified,
independent lives free from fears, myths, and misconceptions about
aging; and,
[to top of second
column] |
 WHEREAS, each
community in the United States must strive to recognize the
contributions of our older citizens, understand and address their
evolving needs, and support their caregivers; and,
WHEREAS, our
society is dependent upon intergenerational cooperation and support,
and benefits from our collective efforts to serve older Americans
and the people who love and care for them; and,
WHEREAS, increasing
numbers of adults are 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 is "Unleash the Power of Age!"
that emphasizes helping our older Americans stay positive, active,
and looking forward:
THEREFORE, I, Pat
Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim May
2013 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.
[Text from
Illinois
Department on Aging file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
