DHR says honor seniors during National Older Americans Month

May 02, 2008 03:24 pm

— Submitted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources

ATLANTA — There is a growing population of older adults in Georgia and throughout the nation who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. They deserve recognition and respect. A good time to show these individuals how much we care is during National Older Americans Month in May. This year’s theme is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.” The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) and the Aging Network are urging everyone to honor older adults this month by taking time to share how much they care for them and value their life experiences.
Georgia has the ninth fastest growing 60-plus population and the 18th fastest growing 85-plus population in the United States. Georgia’s population aged 60 and older is expected to increase 62.5 percent between 1990 and 2010. Those 85 and older are by far the fastest growing age group; they will increase by 114.6 percent by 2010.
“As the adult population gets older, there will be greater demands for resources to address health and long-term care challenges,” said Maria Greene, director of the Division of Aging Services. “We administer an array of cost-effective community-based services statewide for older Georgians and adults with disabilities through our Aging Network and other agency partners.”
DAS provides in-home services, health promotion, senior employment, wellness services, life-long planning, and others. The division is also responsible for investigation and protective services for vulnerable adults through Adult Protective Services (APS). To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, call APS toll-free at 1-888-774-0152 or 404-657-5250 in Metro Atlanta.
For information on aging services in your local community, call the Division of Aging Services toll-free at 1-866-55-Aging (1-866-552-4464).