WHEREAS, there are nearly 1.9 million Virginians aged 60 or older, a number that will increase to 2.2 million in 2030; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is committed to fostering the independence and well-being of older adults through leadership, advocacy, and oversight of state and community programs and guiding the Commonwealth in preparing for an aging population; and

WHEREAS, the twenty-five Area Agencies on Aging and their aging network partners continue to meet the needs of Virginia’s older adults, serving over 75,000 individuals through over 260,000 hours of in-home services to support aging in place, nearly 3.1 million meals to combat senior hunger, and making over 28,000 wellness calls to reduce social isolation; and

WHEREAS, No Wrong Door Virginia offers trusted, free, and curated resources to streamline access to services and information to over 160,933 individuals annually and is recognized nationally for the award-winning Social Health Connector tool, which enhances individuals’ social connections and combats social isolation across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) offers, free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to over 31,000 Medicare beneficiaries by certified counselors each year and provides over 17,500 outreach events promoting wellness and prevention; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Council on Aging has presented the 2024 Best Practices Awards to The Opening Minds through Art Center at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen (First Place); the Art, Leisure, and Recreation Program through Richmond Aging and Engaging (Second Place); and, the Audio Accessibility and Inclusion Program through Virginia Voice, Inc. (Third Place); and

WHEREAS, for over 55 years, Older Americans Month, led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, has been observed every May and this year’s theme is “Powered by Connection,” an opportunity to recognize the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and well-being;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2024, as OLDER VIRGINIANS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.