The State Honors Seniors during Older Americans Month

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Illinois and joins the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) in encouraging older adults to find out about state resources available that help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities.  The governor's proclamation in honoring more than two million seniors living in Illinois coincides with the national observance. 

"On behalf of the Governor, I am proud to have this opportunity honor older adults who have spent their lives contributing to make this a great state and better country," said IDoA Director Johnson.  "Older Americans Month is a wonderful time to inform older adults in Illinois about the services the state provides."

Director Johnson spoke about state programs today, in Chicago, at the 2010 Citywide Senior Conference.  The event included new program announcements, a resource fair and workshops to help seniors maintain active, healthy lifestyles in their communities.

One such program is the Community Care Program (CCP) which includes services such as case management, in-home care, emergency home response and adult day services.  In recent years, CCP eligibility requirements were expanded to allow additional older adults to qualify for the program.  The Department works with Area Agencies on Aging and a network of local service providers so older adults may benefit from additional services funded through the federal Older Americans Act, such as information and assistance, respite, transportation and home delivered meals.  

This year's Older Americans Month theme "Age Strong! Live Long!" recognizes the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans who span three generations.  The theme perfectly complements a statewide initiative to improve the health and lives of adults, ages 55 years and older, by encouraging their involvement in service, learning, and work.  Illinois was selected to participate in the National Governors Association (NGA) Policy Academy on Civic Engagement of Older Adults.  As part of the effort, the state team members are working on a year-long campaign to create stronger connections among the generations.  For more information, log on to www.law.siu.edu/GenServeGen.

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.