Manley Recognizes Older Americans Month, Continues Efforts to Advocate for Seniors

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is celebrating Older Americans Month this May, highlighting the invaluable contributions seniors make to society and spotlighting the array of supportive resources available to them.

“Seniors are the bedrock of our communities, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience that enriches the lives of those around them,” said Manley. “Whether serving as mentors, caregivers, or educators, their impact is immeasurable. With all that they do to improve their communities, let us use Older Americans Month to thank the seniors in our lives and commit to doing our part to give back to them.”

According to the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), nearly 3 million seniors live in Illinois. As part of her efforts to connect seniors with helpful resources, Manley is highlighting the diverse range of support available through local agencies. AgeGuide, Will County’s local area agency on aging, extends counseling services, employment assistance, and a family caregiver program among its offerings. Additionally, Senior Services of Will County provides recreational activities, informative sessions, and essential support for independent living. For detailed information on services provided by these agencies, please visit ageguide.org and willcountyseniors.org.

Throughout her tenure, Manley has worked to provide additional resources to seniors. She passed legislation last year that created the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County, which provides older adults raising children with a path to crucial resources. Manley also passed a bill bringing Illinois into compliance with federal over-the-counter hearing aid guidance, streamlining access for seniors.

“The past years have posed significant challenges for seniors, underscoring the importance of extending a helping hand to alleviate their burdens,” said Manley. “Now more than ever, we should do everything we can to address the unique challenges that seniors face and help them out.”