WASHINGTON TO HOLD HEARING ON AGING POPULATION IN PA

          HARRISBURG, October 19 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Minority Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee announced today that she will hold an Information Hearing, entitled “The Growing Aging Population in Pennsylvania,” on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at the offices of the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging, 624 North Broad Street in Philadelphia.

          “Pennsylvania’s older population is changing,” Washington said. “ The number of people age 75 and older is continuing to increase,” Washington said.  “Those age 75-84 increased by 21 percent and those age 85 and older increased by 38 percent. We must begin to plan for this population and begin now to address the myriad of challenges that they face.”

          Washington said one of the concerns she has about this aging population is the number of seniors with severe housing and medical needs. 

          “Too many seniors are living in isolation,” Washington said. “Some seniors may have a roof over their head but they have no heat and no electricity and no food.”

          Some of the groups scheduled to present testimony include the following:

• American Association of Retired People of PA

• CARIE

• SeniorLAW Center

• Philadelphia Corporation on Aging

• Senior Action Alliance

• PA Association of Senior Centers

          Washington said she expects senior advocates across the state to attend the hearing.

          “There are numerous issues facing our aging population,” Washington said. “Legislators and policymakers must take time now to learn about these issues.  We have to look at our resources and how we can ensure that this vulnerable population receives the services they are entitled.

          We can not allow our seniors to become invisible,” Washington concluded.

          Washington noted that many older adults have a broad array of needs that require attention and services.

          “As policymakers we need to understand these issues, whether medical, emotional, psychological or social, and address them. I am committed to this effort,” Washington said.