State of Vermont recognizes International Day of Older Persons
Waterbury, Vt. – In recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) is sharing resources and information for older Vermonters. Vermont has one of the fastest growing older populations in the country who, with appropriate support and resources when needed, continue to contribute to the vitality of our State.
“As populations age, care and support systems are vital for older persons to continue actively engaging and enriching their communities,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement released September 30, 2024. “Yet too often older persons do not have access to this crucial assistance, deepening inequalities and increasing their vulnerabilities. This disparity falls even heavier on women, including older women, who bear the brunt of providing unpaid care. Recognizing the rights of both those who receive care and care givers is essential for more resilient societies.”
“In conversations with older Vermonters and their families, what we hear regularly is the importance of caregiving,” said Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Dr. Jill Bowen. “Caregivers are often family members. This often comes with balancing other responsibilities such as employment. The supports that flow through our State through the Agency for Health and Human Services' Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) contribute resources from federal and State funds to programs that provide case management, care planning, personal care, information, referral, respite, and adult day services. Community supports are incredibly needed and helpful.”
The Age Strong Vermont plan, released earlier this year, serves as a roadmap for Vermont state agencies and lawmakers, business owners, social service agencies, town and city planners, and the healthcare industry to build a coordinated and efficient system of services—with the overarching goal of enhancing and securing the right for all Vermonters to age safely and happily, while maintaining dignity and respect.
Resources for aging Vermonters and their caregivers include:
- The Social Connection Map was recently added to the Age Strong VT website. It is designed to help older Vermonters identify resources in their communities, such as senior centers, adult-day centers, and other local community institutions that have quality and equitable programming.
- The Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) has many program resources listed on the Division of Adult Services website, including information about Family Caregiver Support.
- The Vermont Assistive Technology Program, Vermont’s federal Assisted Technology Act Program, helps individuals find accessible solutions to overcome barriers related to disability and aging-related needs.
- The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging operates a helpline for seniors, as well as offers free online classes and contacts for the five Area Agencies on Aging.
For more information on resources for older Vermonters and their caregivers, please contact DAIL’s Adult Services Division (ASD) at (802) 241-0294 or search the ASD help resources online.
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About the International Day of Older Persons
International Day of Older Persons is held on October 1 each year. The United National General Assembly first designated the day in 1990 to respond to opportunities and challenges of the global aging population. The focus for this year’s commemoration, to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on October 7, is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”