Printable Version
May 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Local Retirees Gather to Train, Mobilize
Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired
Americans Convention Delegates Celebrate Older
Americans Month, Fight for Seniors
Programs
For
Immediate
Release:
May
30,
2007
Grantville, PA
– Over 100 Pennsylvania retirees
today concluded a two-day meeting to learn
about important public policy issues facing
seniors and address unmet needs of the rapidly
expanding age group.
At their state convention, members of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans discussed the importance of educating fellow seniors, attended workshops on improving their skills in communicating with peers, elected officials, and media, and signed a letter to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) calling for a ten percent increase in federal funding for the Older Americans Act.
“May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor the Americans that remain such a vibrant part of our community,” said Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans President Jean Friday. “But it is also a time to reflect on what we can – and must – improve as our nation’s population continues to grow and change,” she added, noting the commonwealth’s shifting demographics.
A “Day of Celebration” honored the efforts and successes of the Older Americans Act, but also highlighted the legislation’s growing financial needs. One out of every five Pennsylvanians – approximately 2.5 million – are over 60, the third-highest rate in the country. With a baby boomer now reaching that age every 7.5 seconds, one in four residents will be over 60 by 2020.
The Older Americans Act is the preeminent vehicle delivering human, social, and nutritional services for older persons. State and federal resources combined to serve over 11.4 million meals and provide 4 million rides for Pennsylvania seniors in 2005 alone. Over the last several years, financial support for these programs has declined, as funding increases have not kept pace with inflation or the growing population eligible for services. Additionally, the President’s fiscal year 2008 budget calls for $109 million to be cut from these programs.
“Our nation needs to invest in the senior citizens that have invested in this country their entire lives,” Friday concluded, “A significant increase in funding can enhance the ability of older Americans to live with maximum health, independence, and dignity.”
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Contact: Marcie Kohenak, 202-637-5178
Danielle Pere, 610-804-1329