Gov. Quinn proclaims May as Older Americans Month in Illinois

Observance highlights state's commitment to providing quality programs that offer independent living and other protections to seniors

[May 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Illinois and joins the Illinois Department on Aging to honor more than 2 million adults age 60 years or older who live in the state. The governor's proclamation (see below) coincides with the national observance. Since 1963, the observance each year in May has proven a proud tradition in honoring the value that older adults contribute to our communities.

"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,

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]