Latest Department of Aging Stories

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary Brian Duke today spoke to a group of older Pennsylvanians at the Rutherford House, a senior center in Harrisburg, about Governor Tom Corbett's 2013-14 proposed budget. The budget, due to the Lottery Private Management Agreement, provides an additional $50 million for programs that will enable older Pennsylvanians to remain living in their homes. This comes at a time when there is an increased demand for services...

EXTON, Pa., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today marked National Influenza Vaccination Week by urging older Pennsylvanians to get a flu shot. "One of the most important steps older Pennsylvanians can take to stay healthy during the flu season is to get a flu shot," Duke said at a flu clinic held at the Chester County Library. "It is important to remember that influenza is highly contagious and can pose serious and life-threatening health...

Hurricane Sandy victims may be eligible for an extension HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Older Pennsylvanians are reminded that the deadline for Medicare annual enrollment is Friday, Dec. 7. Individuals are urged to utilize the state Department of Aging's APPRISE program to determine a Medicare health plan that works for them. The APPRISE program has trained volunteers who work through the local Area Agencies on Aging. They deal with questions and...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke is marking November as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month by recognizing citizens and their families affected by Alzheimer's and encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn more about the debilitating disease. "Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that touches many Pennsylvanians," Duke said. "Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month emphasizes education about the disease and brings understanding and support...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke today announced the launch of a free monthly webinar series to begin this month, which is National Caregiver Support month. Webinar topics will be related to healthy living, self care tips and basic medical facts for caregivers. A caregiver is someone who provides unpaid care to an elderly relative, friend, grandchild or a relative between the ages of 19-59 with a disability....

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Aging will hold public hearings in Centre County, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh during June to discuss the 2012-2016 State Plan on Aging, which defines the strategy and goals for programs and services provided to older Pennsylvanians. "We have been gathering information throughout the year from strategic planning sessions and focus groups comprised of consumers and subject-matter experts to help develop a...

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities that highlight this year's theme "Never Too Old to Play." "Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in regard to its aging population," said Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke. "Our commonwealth has been blessed with many contributions from our older adults. Older Pennsylvanians Month is a great opportunity to thank...

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In March 1972, Don McLean's "American Pie" was a radio hit, a gallon of gas cost just 36 cents and the first Pennsylvania Lottery tickets were sold. Forty years later, the Lottery and the Department of Aging joined to celebrate the anniversary and the life-changing benefits that Lottery proceeds continue to provide to older Pennsylvanians, every day. "Over the past 40 years, Lottery has generated more than $21.5 billion in...

Pharmacies Recognized for Helping in the Fight Against the Flu MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today marked National Influenza Vaccination Week by urging older Pennsylvanians to get a flu shot. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older, according to national statistics. "Influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses, affecting millions...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke is encouraging Pennsylvanians to recognize and support people who serve as caregivers, highlighting November as National Family Caregivers month. "Family caregivers are on the frontlines caring for relatives and loved ones, but their important work too often goes unacknowledged," said Duke. "As our older adult population grows, more people will assume the role of caregiver. National Family...