Active Older Adults Celebrate Older Pennsylvanians Month at State Capitol Event Featuring Line Dancing and Zumba

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities that highlight this year's theme "Never Too Old to Play."

"Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in regard to its aging population," said Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke.  "Our commonwealth has been blessed with many contributions from our older adults.  Older Pennsylvanians Month is a great opportunity to thank Pennsylvania's older citizens."

"Never Too Old to Play" focuses on the importance of older adults staying active as well as sharing their experiences, wisdom, and knowledge with other generations.

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley presented a proclamation on behalf of Governor Tom Corbett to Duke, declaring May Older Pennsylvanians Month.

"Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month," said Cawley.  "This proud tradition shows our commitment to our older residents and recognizes their positive contributions to our society."

Today's event included line dancing and zumba demonstrations performed by members of senior centers from the Harrisburg area.

"Our Area Agencies on Aging as well as senior centers provide meaningful opportunities for adults to remain physically and socially active," said Duke.  "In addition, volunteer programs across the state connect older Pennsylvanians with meaningful opportunities of service." 

The Department of Aging encourages all Pennsylvanians to pay tribute to older Pennsylvanians during the month of May.

For more information, visit www.aging.state.pa.us

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

Editor's Note:  The text of Governor Corbett's proclamation follows:

OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS MONTH- May 2012

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is a commonwealth that includes 2.7 million citizens aged 60 and older, whose health, independence and quality of life are key elements in our state's wellbeing and we enthusiastically support Older Pennsylvanians Month; and

WHEREAS, the older adults in Pennsylvania are the roots from which our state grows, and they bestow the lessons of our shared history--bringing their gifts of wisdom and insight to younger generations, thus strengthening the bonds of understanding among neighbors; and

WHEREAS, our society is enhanced by older adults leading by example, exemplifying the fruits of a disciplined life by sustaining their vitality through healthy aging and sense of joy in interacting with children, youth and adults from other generations; and

WHEREAS, our elders should be commended for their role in creating and bolstering the fiber of our communities and nation, involved in meaningful interaction among the richly diverse members of our population, making Pennsylvania the best place to age and live well; and

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, in conjunction with the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, provides programs and services which promote good health, stable autonomy and social participation to more than 800,000 older adults on an annual basis, thereby protecting and empowering a great source of wisdom and guidance for our society, and  

WHEREAS, our entire commonwealth provides older adults with ample opportunities to enhance their bodies and minds, through an array of activities such as the cultivation of a garden, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, through a gracious act of volunteerism or the preparation of a meal with family or friends.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim May 2012 to be Older Pennsylvanians Month. I urge every citizen to take time this month to honor our older adults by engaging them and one another through enjoyable social interactions such as sports, games, contests and other forms of lighthearted activity. So may we celebrate this most beautiful month as we all take part in the national theme: Never Too Old to Play!

TOM CORBETT, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging