 That’s the theme of this year’s recognition, which
emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that promote
learning, health, and personal enrichment.
“You are never too old - or too young - to participate in activities
that Connect, Create and Contribute to the enrichment your physical,
mental, and emotional well-being,” said Paula Basta, Director of
IDoA. “I encourage our older adults to take advantage of resources
and social programs throughout their communities - get out and play
a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and
lives!”
Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation, recognizing the
contributions that older Americans have had on Illinois’ history.
“Older Illinoisans have shaped our state’s rich history, and it’s
our obligation to ensure they have to the tools to live healthy
lives and connect, create, and contribute in their communities,”
said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Whether its quality health care, home care
or community-based services, my administration is committed to the
physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every Illinoisan. I’m
proud to proclaim May as Older Americans Month in the state of
Illinois.”
When Older Americans Month was established by President John F.
Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens in
1963, there were only 17 million Americans 65 years of age and
older, about a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and there
were few programs to meet their needs. Today, 56 years later in
Illinois, people 85 years of age and older is the fastest growing
segment of the older population, and by 2030, individuals 65 years
of age and older will increase to represent almost 25% of Illinois’s
population.
Throughout the month of May, the Department on Aging encourages
members of the Aging Network and local communities to raise
awareness of programs and services available for seniors at
ceremonies, events, fairs, and other activities throughout the
state.
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 (hearing impaired call
1-888-206-1327).
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column] |
 The text of the Governor’s
proclamation is below:
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois is home to more
than two and a half million residents aged 60 years or older who
richly contribute to our communities; and,
WHEREAS, older adults are members of our communities 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, the State of Illinois is committed to supporting older
adults as they take charge of their health, explore new
opportunities and activities, and focus on independence; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois can provide opportunities to enrich
the lives of individuals of all ages by involving older adults in
the redefinition of aging in our communities, promoting home- and
community-based services that support independent living,
encouraging older adults to speak up for themselves and others, and
providing opportunities for older adults to share their experiences;
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, “Engage at Every
Age”, emphasizes that you are never too old or too young to take
part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and
emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways in which
older adults make a difference in our communities;
THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do
hereby proclaim May 2019 as OLDER AMERICANS MONTH in Illinois, and
encourage all older adults to connect, create, and contribute to
their communities across the State of Illinois.
[Illinois Department on Aging] |
