Older Virginians Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

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

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionally affected older adults and individuals in long-term care facilities, and has highlighted the power of connection in building strong, engaged, and resilient communities for all ages; 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, Area Agencies on Aging and their aging network partners have risen to meet the needs of Virginia’s older adults, providing nearly 3.4 million meals and making over 126,000 wellness calls to reduce social isolation; and,

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Council on Aging, with support from Dominion Energy, has presented the 2022 Best Practices Awards to NV Rides (First Place), Virginia Tech and New River Valley Agency on Aging for COVID Companions (Second Place), and Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons for Deaf Seniors Stay Connected (Third Place), which reflect the needs and contributions of Virginia’s older adults over the last year; 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 “Age My Way,” an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2022 as OLDER VIRGINIANS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations