Raimondo Celebrates Rhode Island’s Centenarians, Declares May as Older Americans Month
GINA RAIMONDO AND LUCILLE BENJAMIN OF CUMBERLAND
PROVIDENCE, RI –Governor Gina M. Raimondo, joined by Division of Elderly Affairs Director Rose Amoros Jones, recognized the contributions of Rhode Islanders who are one hundred years of age or older at the 42 nd Governor’s Centenarian Brunch.
“All Rhode Islanders deserve an opportunity to design and live a fulfilling life,” said Governor Raimondo. “They deserve the peace of mind that when needed, support will be there. I am working to promote healthy and fulfilling aging through valuable and proven programs and services.”
The annual event, held at the Bridge at Cherry Hill, brought together over fifty of Rhode Island’s centenarians, representing a combined age of over 5,500 years. There were nine attendees aged 104 or over, with the oldest attendee having turned 108 earlier this year. Centenarians are a growing age group in the state and nationally. Rhode Island’s older adult population is increasing rapidly, with more than 30 percent of residents age 55 or older. The state has the highest proportion in the nation of those 85 or older, with a number of those older adults aging to, or past, 100 years of age.
In recognizing the contributions and needs of the older adult population, Governor Raimondo continues to champion investments that benefit seniors. Her State Fiscal Year 2020 budget proposal would provide funding for transportation programs that serve older adults, expand home- and community-care programs, and invest in the direct-support workforce. The Governor has supported investments in Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce for the last four years and has increased funding to senior centers and meals programs that promote health and independence for older Rhode Islanders.
“We simply cannot do enough to recognize and celebrate the many contributions elders make to the betterment of our state,” said DEA Director Rose Amoros Jones. “We owe them our gratitude and a commitment to ensuring they have all they need to age healthfully and happily. I’m thrilled to join Governor Raimondo in recognizing these extraordinary Rhode Islanders who have defied nearly every stereotype of aging. These Rhode Island centenarians prove that providing supportive services and programs enable older adults to live longer, happier, and productive lives.”
Added Raimondo, “The contributions seniors make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in Rhode Island’s economy, government, and the arts. Older adults are leading and inspiring others, and we take this opportunity during Older Americans Month to not only support, but also learn from them.”
The Division of Elderly Affairs coordinates programs and services that preserve the independence, dignity and capacity for choice for seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers in Rhode Island. These initiatives support the State’s rapidly expanding elder population. Throughout May, the Division of Elderly Affairs and its partners are celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM) through a series of events and initiatives. For more information about OAM, visit
https://acl.gov/oam/2019/older-americans-month-2019 .
For more information about local events, contact Meghan Connelly, DEA director of public affairs, at
or 401-462-0509.