Thirty nine point six; eighty eight point five; five
hundred and forty five. You might be wondering, what do these numbers mean? They
represent the millions of Older Americans in our country. 39.6 million people
are 65 and older in the United States (July 1, 200), 88.5 million people are
projected to be 65 and older in 2050 in the United States. 545 million was the
projected number of people 65 and older midyear in 2011 for the whole world
population. If numbers are not your thing, it is safe to say that is a lot of
Older Americans!
Each month has a variety of Health &
Wellness observances and each year has a variety of days celebrating special
people in our own personal lives and in history, but in May we are taking a whole
month to highlight a special group of people, Older Americans, who share their
life expierences, whitty wisdoms and thoughtful understanding of the way the
world goes round.
May is Older Americans Month and we are proud
to be a program dedicated serve older adults. Although Hospice of Southern
Illinois serves people of all ages, we often serve the senior population. Our
multi-disciplinary team appreciates the way they lived and worked, the stories
of growth and heart, and the search for a better quality of life. Hospice of
Southern Illinois is here to help and celebrate Older Americans not only in
May, but every month. We hope that we can bring awareness to this special group
of people and help others understand what they contribute to this wonderful
world! Show an Older American you care; take an extra minute to say hello, ask
them if you can get them a snack, bring them a small gift to brighten their day
or just say thank you because everyone has a story of their contributions.
Help
us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it
to friends who will spread our message: Hospice
of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about,
and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the
dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.
Live well,
laugh often, and love much,
Christine
Juehne
Hospice of
Southern Illinois
Community
Education
1-800-233-1708
www.hospice.org
Sources for statistics: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff08.html Accessed: 5/7/2012 Date of Article: 3/23/2011
