Governor Recognizes Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor the more than 2.6 million Pennsylvania residents who are over the age of 60, according to a release.

“Older Pennsylvanians are such an important part of our communities,” said Gov. Tom Corbett, who issued a proclamation recognizing the special month. “They carry the wisdom of experience, the lessons of hard work and they deserve our respect.”

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge the contributions and vital lives of older citizens. Among states, Pennsylvania has the fourth-highest percentage of people over age 60. There are also nearly 310,000 people 85 and older in the state, representing the fastest-growing percentage segment of the population.

“The Department of Aging is dedicated to providing services, programs and inspiration for older Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. “Home- and community-based services, senior centers, home-delivered and congregate meals, APPRISE counseling and many more of our programs help to provide healthy and dignified lives for so many of our older citizens.”

Pennsylvania’s programs for older adults provide services for more than 400,000 citizens with over 600 senior centers, 270 adult day centers and 620 domiciliary care homes. The Lottery-funded PACE and PACENET pharmaceutical benefit programs provide low-cost prescription medications for more than 350,000 eligible residents and more than 500 APPRISE volunteers provide insurance counseling services for thousands of older state residents.

For information about the Department of Aging and services for older Pennsylvanians, visit www.aging.state.pa.us or call 717-783-1549.

The text of the Governor’s Proclamation follows:

Older Americans Month - May 2011

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is a commonwealth that includes 2.64 million citizens aged 60 and older and supports Older Americans Month through statewide public outreach about its programs and services; and

WHEREAS, the older adults in Pennsylvania are the roots from which our state grows, who bestow gifts of wisdom and insight upon younger generations, and strengthen the bond between neighbors to create a better place to live; and

WHEREAS, our society can be enhanced by older adults aging independently in their communities and Pennsylvania provides long-term living services and protects older citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation; and

WHEREAS, the older adults in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be commended for their role in creating and bolstering the fiber of our communities and nation; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania provides many services to over 400,000 older citizens so they can remain in their homes and communities; has over 600 senior centers where nutritious meals and interesting programs are available; has a generous prescription drug program and many other valuable services, and

WHEREAS, our commonwealth can provide that recognition and respect by enriching the quality of life for older Americans by providing services and support systems that allow older Americans to foster and maintain connections within the community and emphasizing the value of Older Pennsylvanians by publicly recognizing their contributions to the diversity, strength and unity of our state.

THEREFORE, I do hereby proclaim May 2011 to be Older Americans Month. I urge every citizen to take time this month to honor our older adults and the professionals, family members and volunteers who support them. Our recognition of older Americans and their involvement in our lives can help us achieve stronger and more meaningful connections with each other and enrich our state’s quality of life.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this first day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and eleven, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Tom Corbett, Governor