FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2008
Governor Strickland, Department of Aging Kick Off Older Americans Month
May Observation Acknowledges Role Seniors Play in Their Communities
COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging today officially kicked off Older Americans Month in Ohio. The President of the United States designates each May as a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older citizens, express gratitude for their contributions to society and encourage them to live vibrant, meaningful lives. Ohio's theme for Older Americans Month 2008 is "Loving Life, Helping Others, Supporting Communities."
"Ohio is a great place to live in large part because of the contributions of our senior citizens," said Strickland. "They improve their communities through activities such as volunteering and caregiving, and as employees are irreplaceable to many, many businesses throughout the state."
"Seniors are not only the foundations of their families, but also can be cornerstones of their communities," added Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "Older Ohioans are caregivers, teachers, volunteers, mentors, employees, co-workers and community leaders. By staying engaged and sharing their experiences and talents, they enrich the lives of their neighbors and strengthen their community and the state."
The Department of Aging encourages communities, senior centers, organizations and individuals to organize public events to celebrate Older Americans Month and Senior Citizens Day on May 20. Local events traditionally include health fairs, luncheons, dances, outings, day trips and more. The department has a special Web page, www.aging.ohio.gov/news/olderamericansmonth/, that lists activities throughout the month from across the state. The site also includes posters, logos and sample materials to help organizations plan and promote celebrations.
Goveror's proclamation...
About Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is sponsored nationally by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Ohio Department of Aging supports the statewide observation in cooperation with Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and the entire aging network.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more.
