FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lt. Governor Makes Older Adults a Priority for the State
(Denver CO) In an address to Legislators and to leaders in the Aging Community, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera made clear the Administration’s support for older Coloradans.
The Lt. Governor was the featured speaker at the SAPGA Legislative Aging Caucus at the Capitol as legislators and community leaders gathered to ensure many of Colorado’s efforts continue momentum throughout the coming year. “I always felt the state could play a bigger role in dealing with the aging population. I am really pleased that SAPGA is going strong and helping to drive awareness among everything from healthcare and caregiving to livable communities and workplace implications,” said Primavera.
Chair of the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging (SAPGA) Christian Itin said, “Health and wellness is a top priority for the SAPGA in 2019. With the Lt. Governor leading the state’s Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, we know we have someone who is going to be invested in the needs of older Coloradans. Critical for success in this area is for the public and private sectors in the aging space to work together towards solutions. Workforce development, transportation and mobility, technology, and housing are priorities in our 2018 Strategic Action Plan update and will remain so going forward into 2019. These issues are central to an age-friendly state.”
For Primavera, health care and aging are personal. “I ended up as part of the sandwich generation; constantly squeezed between caring for my dad which I was more than happy to do, and caring for my kids at the same time. Not to mention my own health challenges with cancer; and, trying to keep my home together as a single mom. I can really empathize with others going through the same thing that I was going through.”
Itin noted, “I was very impressed by the humanity of the Lt. Governor. The courage she showed to openly discuss her personal experiences and the complex challenges we all face in later life sets a great example.”
The demographics in the state are conclusive. By 2030, one in four Coloradans will be 60 years of age or older.
Follow this link to review SAPGA’s 2018 Strategic Action Plan on Aging.