Governor Celebrates Older Ohioans Who Are Reinventing Aging

Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging 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 grati- tude for their contributions to society and encourage them to live vibrant, meaningful lives.

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. 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, older adults are now increasingly supporting their communities and the state by going back or remaining is the workforce, volunteering, mentoring others, learning new skills and more." Many aging stereotypes are disappearing quickly as today's older adults embrace their uniqueness. 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 Area Office on Aging encourages communities, senior centers, organizations and individuals to host public events to celebrate Older Americans Month and Senior Citizens Day on May 19. Locally, The Area Office on Aging is celebrating Older Americans Month with the 32nd Annual Spring Fling Senior Day Event to honor older Americans in the surrounding area. The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., 2155 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio, 419-382-0624, provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, their families and their caregivers. Working with the 10 Northwest Ohio counties and other community partners, the Area Office on Aging offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs, long-term care programs, and more. Visit www.areaofficeonaging.com