LANSING - Hundreds of seniors and senior advocates cheered this morning on the East Lawn of the Capitol.

Today was the annual Older Michiganians Day.

"We got a lot of fun and a lot of work to do here today," said Senior Director of Aging and Adult Services Agency, Richard Kline. "You think they can hear your through all that concrete," as he encouraged the crowd to cheer louder.

This years theme, Aging Out Loud.

"We need stable funding for senior services," said Pam Niebrzydowski, Chair on the Michigan Senior Advocates Council.

Every year people from across the state gather to speak on behalf of the issues impacting Michigan's older citizens. This year was said to bring over 1,000 Michigan residents to the Capitol.

"My dream is that one day we can come back to Lansing on Older Michiganians Day. We can sit on the lawn, have a picnic with our friends and not have to ask for less then one percent of the budget so seniors in Michigan can live well and safely," said Niebrzyowski.

Older Michiganians Day is a day-long event including a rally on the East Lawn of the Capitol, speakers and the opportunity to have individual meetings with your State Legislators.

The Michigan Association of Area Agencies on Aging put together the event with sponsors from numerous foundations like the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Senior Advocates Council and Senior Volunteer Programs of Michigan.

"This is our annual opportunity to come face to face with the law makers about the issues that are common to older adults in Michigan," said Anette from the Area Seven Agency on Aging.

The Area Seven Agency on Aging is just one of the numerous groups gathered in support of Michigan Seniors.

Wrapping up his speech, Kline said, "Older Michiganians Day seems to get bigger and better every year."