Roundtable to discuss aging issues and priorities set for Thursday at Quincy Senior Center

QUINCY —  State aging officials are holding a series of roundtable discussions — open to service providers, older adults, family caregivers and the public — to help shape the future of policymaking, service delivery and investment priorities to meet the needs of a growing older adult population.

“As a requirement of the federal Older Americans Act, Illinois periodically submits a State Plan on Aging, detailing goals, strategies and objectives to help older Illinoisans live long and healthy lives,” Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Acting Director Mary Killough said in a press release. “Creating this plan is a collaborative process, and we look forward to engaging stakeholders and residents across the state over the next several months.”

Leaders from the state Department on Aging and regional Area Agencies on Aging will convene a dozen roundtable discussions statewide to inform the development of Illinois’ 2026-28 State Plan on Aging, a strategic framework to improve and promote quality of life for older adults, their families and caregivers. The most recent state plan was completed in July 2021 and extends through federal fiscal year 2025.

The Quincy roundtable will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Quincy Senior and Family Resource Center, 639 York, Suite 333.

As IDoA begins development of its next state plan, expected to be published in draft form in early 2025, aging officials are seeking public input on the types of supports and resources that are needed to address older adults’ concerns and priorities. Older adults, their families and caregivers are invited to share their feedback during a roundtable discussion in their area:

To RSVP, contact host site coordinator Vanessa Keppner at Vanessa.Keppner@wcian.org or 217-223-7904 ext. 117. RSVPs are requested but not required. If you need language interpretation or any other accommodation, please note that in an RSVP.

Additional roundtables, as well as virtual events, will be announced later this fall.

IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity and quality of life. For information about the department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.