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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2009
COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging today kick 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 2009 is "Reinvent Yourself, Reinvent Aging."
"Seniors today are living longer, healthier and more active lives than ever. They want to be engaged in their communities and they want to matter and make a difference," said Strickland. "Just as communities have traditionally supported their elders, seniors are now increasingly supporting their communities and the state by going back or remaining in the workforce, volunteering, mentoring others, learning new skills and more."
"Many aging stereotypes are disappearing quickly as today's seniors embrace their uniqueness," added Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "Fading are the days of rocking chairs, quilting and bingo. Today's older adults are in the workforce and in school. They are online, they volunteer and they make a difference in the lives of others while enriching their own."
The Department of Aging encourages communities, senior centers, organizations and individuals to host public events to celebrate Older Americans Month and Senior Citizens Day on May 19. Local events traditionally include health fairs, luncheons, dances, outings, day trips and more. The department's Web site, www.aging.ohio.gov, 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.
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. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.
State of Ohio
Executive Department
Office of the Governor
Columbus
IN RECOGNITION OF
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
MAY 2009
Older Americans Month is observed nationally each May to celebrate the accomplishments of our older citizens and to express our gratitude for the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our communities.
The Ohio Department of Aging promotes Older Americans Month and supports local organizations that host activities. The state theme for Older Americans Month 2009 is "Reinvent Yourself, Reinvent Aging."
Seniors today are living longer, healthier and more active lives than ever. They want to be engaged in their communities and they want to matter and make a difference. Many aging stereotypes are disappearing quickly as today's seniors embrace their uniqueness.
Just as communities have traditionally supported their elders, seniors are now increasingly supporting their communities by going back or remaining in the workforce, volunteering, mentoring others, learning new skills and more.
FOR ALL OF THESE REASONS, I, TED STRICKLAND, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby proclaim May as
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
I urge all Ohioans and communities to celebrate the many ways older Ohioans can be engaged in their communities through volunteering, working and learning.
On this first day of May, 2009;
Ted Strickland
Governor
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