FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE                                                                                       April 28, 2008 

Delaware County Commissioners Proclaim May as Older Americans Month

    Since 1963, May has been designated "Older Americans Month" for the purpose of honoring this most significant and rapidly growing segment of our country’s population. We have an opportunity to celebrate the heritage and contribution of our most treasured citizens throughout the month of May as we recognize older Americans who are living longer, healthier and more productive lives. Each year in Delaware County, more than 1500 people turn 60 years old. By the year 2020, 1 out of every 5 county residents will be 60 or older, which reflects a 337% increase in this age group. The theme for this year’s Older Americans Month is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.”
    Each year, the Council for Older Adults celebrates this month with a variety of activities as we take the opportunity to recognize some local role models and focus on important topics affecting local seniors.  This year, we have organized or are participating in a number of local and regional events which include the following:

County Commissioners Resolution – Monday, April 28
The Delaware County Board of Commissioners presented the Council for Older Adults with a resolution recognizing Older Americans Month in Delaware County and honoring local seniors for their contribution to their community in a variety of ways.
  
Ohio’s Senior Citizens Day - Tuesday, May 20
The third Tuesday of May each year is proclaimed by the Governor to be Ohio Senior Citizens Day. Activities take place throughout Ohio to celebrate the heritage and contribution of our most treasured citizens. Local events include Senior Day at Senior Citizens Inc. of Delaware County as well as various other activities throughout the county.

The 33rd Annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- Wednesday, May 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Martin Janis Senior Center at the Ohio Expo Center, Columbus
Each year the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging honors individuals age 60 and above who have enriched the quality of life for others in their communities, by inducting them into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Delaware County has been well-represented with nominees to the Hall of Fame. This year’s inductee from Delaware County is Virginia Helwig of Sunbury.

Caregiver Recognition Day - Tuesday, May 27
Every May, the Council for Older Adults recognizes some very exceptional people in Delaware County - caregivers, who provide on-going support, care and assistance to elderly friends, family or neighbors. We accomplish this by offering a special gift of appreciation for the service they provide. Following our regular May board meeting, our board members, staff and other volunteers go to homes of local caregivers and present them with a flower and vase, and a letter of appreciation as a personal gesture of thanks for the efforts that they make every day in caring for older friends and relatives. This is an event that our staff and board members look forward to each year when we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to the many caregivers who help us keep older adults in their homes. Anyone wishing to nominate a caregiver for this honor should contact the Council for Older Adults by May 9.

The board and staff of the Council for Older Adults invite the citizens of Delaware County to join with us as we draw special attention to the needs and talents of local seniors and their families through the month of May. Anyone wishing to become involved with these or other activities for local seniors are invited to contact the Council at (800) 994-2255 or (740) 363-6677.