LANSING - Older Michiganians came together on the lawn and steps of the capitol building in Lansing on May 16th to speak with legislators about aging issues. Older Michiganians Day was created by the Area Agencies on Aging Association in partnership with it’s Aging Network Partners.

This year’s event theme was “Engage at Every Age.” With one thousand or more older Michignanians in attendance from all over the state of Michigan, it was a day for their voices to be heard on hot button issues.

Lt. Governor Brian Calley and legislative leaders, such as House Speaker, Tom Leonard, were invited to the event to respond to the Older Michiganians platform issues. The largest issue being advocated for is to preserve and protect MI choice.

The MI Choice Program provides senior citizens and citizens in the state of Michigan with disabilities to live in their home independently while receiving a nursing facility level of care. There are 3,200 people on the waiting list for the program.

The Older Michiganians goal for the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program is to improve access and preserve the role of Area Agencies on Aging and the MI Choice Program. The MI Choice Program costs $78.20 per day.

Older Michiganians have been advocating for the betterment of older citizens issues and for legislators to fight on their behave to protect and preserve certain programs. Older Michiganians Day advocates hoped the legislative leaders from both parties would support the Direct Care Workforce by addressing the shortage of direct care workers and aim to include direct care workers in MI Talent initiatives.

Older Michiganians Day is a day for Older Michigan citizens to come together and provide support for each other and major proactive initiatives such as the Michigan Dementia Plan, Telehealth benefits, and age friendly communities.

The 11th annual Older Michiganians Day was a day of advocacy and support for the elder citizens of the entire State of Michigan.