Seniors and their advocates across Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties will have the opportunity to rally together and speak out to the Governor, state legislators and local officials about changes that need to be made to improve the lives of older adults in Michigan.

Through a “Blueprint for Action,” participants will engage in dialogue on key areas including development and expansion of evidence-based older adult wellness, fitness and healthy aging programs, programs to help older adults and family caregivers make best use of social and financial resources to help age in place with dignity, and the desire to focus on creation and enhancement of our communities to make Michigan attractive to retirees. 

During the months of May and June local Older Michiganian rallies will be held in each county where participants will learn more about the “Blueprint for Action” and speak to their local officials about older adult issues.  On June 24th a  statewide Older Michiganians Day Rally of more than 500 senior advocates, will take place on the steps of the State Capitol from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Tickets for the June 24th Older Michiganians Day Rally at the Capital are required. 

This is your opportunity to participate and make the needs of older adults be heard by local and state representatives.  For more information on the rallies, including tickets for the state wide rally on June 24th please contact Amy Smyth, Area Agency on Aging 1-B at (800) 852-7795 or asmyth@aaa1b.com

Local rally details:

Oakland County
Monday, May 18, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Oakland County Executive Office Building
2100 Pontiac Road, Waterford

Macomb County
Friday, May 29, 2009
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Ukrainian Cultural Center
26601 Ryan Road, Warren

Washtenaw County
Monday, June 1, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
St. Joe Senior Health Building
Lower Level
5361 McCauley Drive, Ypsilanti

St. Clair County
Friday, June 5, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Council on Aging, Inc., serving St. Clair County
600 Grand River, Port Huron

Monroe County
Friday, June 12, 2009
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Monroe Center
15275 S. Dixie Highway, Monroe