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IDoA serves as an advocate for older adults and their caregivers
by administering programs that help older adults live independently
in their homes and communities. Without services to assist, many of
our most vulnerable would be have few choices to remain independent
and would find themselves forced to live in nursing home facilities.
The state serves as a model that other governments study in order to
develop program services to care for seniors. A Chinese delegation
visited Illinois in December to learn about the state’s senior care
policy. China faces challenges enforcing laws requiring adult
children to visit, care for and financially support their elderly
parents. Officials invited representatives of the state’s aging
network to come to China to consult on solutions under
consideration.
“May is deemed Older Americans Month, but caring for our vulnerable
elders is a global concern,” said Director Holton. “I was pleased to
welcome the delegation from the People’s Republic of China during
our conference on aging to share information about how Illinois
structures its delivery of quality services in light of an
ever-increasing demand. And I am honored to have been able to accept
their invitation to visit China to address global aging.”
Director Holton, who traveled to China this month and just returned,
spoke there about challenges facing its elderly population which is
estimated to be more than 200 million adults age 60 and older.
In observance of Older Americans Month, IDoA will participate in
events this month honoring older adults including the 16th annual
Central IL Senior Celebration, May 21, in the Orr Building on the
state fairgrounds, in Springfield. The event features exhibitors,
free health screenings, and entertainment.
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 TTY (hearing impaired use only) call
1-888-206-1327.
The text of the Governor’s
proclamation follows:
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 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,
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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, 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 Safe
Today, Healthy Tomorrow focuses on injury prevention that
emphasizes helping older adults stay active:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of
Illinois, do hereby proclaim May 2014 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.
[Text received; THE OFFICE OF
GOVERNOR PAT QUINN]
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