Carbondale Reporter

Taking a holistic viewpoint, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) encourages residents not only to stay well, but also to remain well aware of their health, as the number of older adults in Illinois rises.

 

The Springfield-based agency hopes to address the rapidly growing senior sector through accessible resources and services. Collaborating with the Rauner administration and colleagues, IDoA is working to maintain access to programs designed for older citizens, covering  financial education, mental health services and funding for accessibility options in residences.

 

“We all experience the day-to-day challenges of maintaining our physical and mental health. The department understands the increased danger this can have on seniors dealing with various medical issues,” IDoA Director Jean Bohnhoff said. “We’ve found a way to … provide older adults with greater access to services that can help them maintain healthier and more independent lifestyles.”

 

IDoA recommends that older adults stay active, eat healthily, manage their finances responsibly and set out to accomplish reasonable goals, as well as nurture social connections. Maintaining awareness of one’s own health is important, the agency said. It is encouraging senior citizens to see a doctor for an annual physical checkup to establish a baseline for their health profiles.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the number of Americans age 65 or older in 2050 will grow to nearly 89 million people, double what it was in 2010.