Governor Shapiro has just pushed Pennsylvania to a new league, marking the state as a haven for older Pennsylvanians. According to a public announcement, Pennsylvania has been recognized as an Age-Friendly State by AARP. The governor's pledge to bolster support for the elderly is now more than just talk – it's an official badge of honor that spans across all 67 counties.
At the White Rose Senior Center in York, Shapiro stood alongside key players like the Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich and local luminaries, united in celebration of this landmark status. It's a significant jump from 2020 when York County itself was dubbed an Age-Friendly Community. Now, the efforts to elevate older adults' way of life are a statewide agenda. "My Administration is fighting for Pennsylvanians every day, and that includes investing in and building a Commonwealth that cares for and supports older adults," Shapiro said at the event, as noted by Pennsylvania's government website.
This isn't just a title; it's a commitment ensconced in a detailed 10-year master plan to address the real-life scenarios faced by seniors. A partnership of 29 state agencies is now tasked with delivering tangible improvements. These range from better home care services to more accessible transport and even a bit of financial ease through tax rebate programs. Pennsylvania's elderly population is looking at a future where independence and respect are not just expected but systematically implemented.
The Commonwealth's efforts have not gone unnoticed as it joins the ranks of only 13 states recognized by AARP in this capacity. With a clear strategy to safeguard seniors by bringing transparency, and accountability to protective services, Shapiro's administration appears intent on changing the narrative of aging in Pennsylvania. "That work is getting noticed, and I'm proud that AARP has recognized Pennsylvania as one of just 13 Age-Friendly States in the country," the governor touted, as reported by Pennsylvania's government website.
