FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Area Agencies on Aging Association Sponsors Senior Action Week
LANSING – May is Older Americans Month, and May 15-19, 2023, has been identified as Senior Action Week in Michigan. The theme of Older Americans Month in 2023 is Aging Unbound. Area Agencies on Aging know the vital role older adults play in our state and individual communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more – and their experience, knowledge, and passion truly know no bounds. Sponsored by the Area Agencies on Aging Association, Senior Action Week and Older Michiganians Day on May 17 focuses attention on public policy issues of importance to older adults, their families, and caregivers, including more than 1,500 service providers that directly deliver an array of supports and services annually to more than 250,000 seniors and persons with disabilities.
“It is critically important to advocate for Michigan’s older adults to ensure continued access to effective in-home and community-based services,” said Julie Wetherby, president of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. “Older Michiganians Day is a historic event that brings current issues to our legislature that older adults are facing daily to remain successful and independent in their community and their homes.”
The Aging Network has prioritized five platform issues for 2023: Support Family and Informal Caregivers, Support and Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce, Support and Strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Increase Access to Home and Community-Based Services, and Expand Access to MI Choice.
“OMD is an annual opportunity to recognize the contributions of older adults and people with disabilities to our state and nation,” said David LaLumia, executive director of Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. “Together we advocate for an aging network which enables healthy aging, promotes dignity and respect and extends home and community-based supports to all wishing to live independently in the home of their choice.”
Individuals interested in participating in advocacy efforts, including social media messages, a letter writing campaign, and a rally and livestreamed event at the Capitol on Wednesday May 17 should contact their local Area Agency on Aging. A directory of agencies can be found at www.4ami.org.
For additional information, contact Jenn Dubey, Operations Manager, at 517-886-1029.
