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 have risen to meet the needs of Virginia’s older adults, aiding over 69,000 senior citizens, providing in-home services that totaled over 255,000 hours of care to avoid institutionalization, serving nearly 3.2 million meals to combat senior hunger, and making over 48,000 wellness calls to reduce social isolation; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Council on Aging, with support from Dominion Energy and AARP Virginia, has presented the 2023 Best Practices Awards to Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. (MEOC) for its METGo! Program (First Place), Joyful Voices Chorus (Second Place), and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired for its Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern Senior Retreat (“LIVE”) Program (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 “Aging Unbound,” an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes; and

WHEREAS, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ forthcoming 2023-2027 State Plan for Aging Services, developed in collaboration with the Area Agencies on Aging and other statewide and local partners, champions home and community-based services, encourages healthy, active, and engaged lives, and supports the needs of caregivers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as OLDER VIRGINIANS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.