HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell proclaimed May “Older Pennsylvanians Month” in honor of the contributions of the state’s 2.4 million citizens over 60.
Pennsylvania has the third largest percentage of older citizens, after Florida and West Virginia. By 2020, it is expected that 3 million people in the state will be 60 or older.
“Pennsylvania’s seniors are growing in number, and their contributions to the state through volunteerism and other civic activities are increasing as well. Older adults are a valued segment of our society, providing experience, maturity and leadership in many endeavors,” Rendell said. “I urge all Pennsylvanians to celebrate and honor the ongoing contributions of older adults to our lives and communities.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging offer a broad range of information, programs and assistance for older citizens. Information is available at www.aging.state.pa.us. Services to older adults are funded by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery, and eligibility for most services begins at age 65.
“The department invests more than $64 million each year to provide meals for more than 168,000 older Pennsylvanians and supports seniors in many other areas,” said Secretary Nora Dowd Eisenhower. “The PACE program has helped more than a million seniors pay for pre scri ption medications since it was launched in 1984.”
Increasingly older Pennsylvanians are becoming aware that maintaining healthy lifestyles is central to enable them to “age in place” in their homes and continue to contribute to their communities. The state continues to invest in ensuring the availability of home- and community-based services to assist seniors who wish to live at home, where many older consumers say they would prefer to live.
Through Pennsylvania’s network of 650 senior centers, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging sponsors health and wellness programs and social and community programs that enrich and diversify the lives of older persons. One notable program is the Healthy Steps for Older Adults, a falls risk-reduction program that received a first place in the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Education Promotion Award program. Additionally, the department is a sponsor of the Senior Games which will be held July 22 – 27 in York. The games promote physical fitness and sports activity as a health improvement and disease prevention strategy.
The Department of Aging is now updating the State Plan on Aging, which will set the state’s priorities in providing services to older adults through 2012. The new plan will be unveiled by Governor Rendell in the summer.
To help all Pennsylvanians be better prepared for their later years, Governor Rendell recently announced “Own Your Future” campaign which offers information on long term living issues such as health and well being, legal assistance and long term care insurance. To receive a free long term care planning kit, call 1-866-752-6582, or visit here.