Nearly 400,000 residents of Chicago are over 60 years old. This fact, coupled with the city’s diversity, has led Chicago’s leaders and service providers to prioritize programs geared to older adults. As a result, Chicago was recently named an Aging Friendly City by the World Health Organization and AARP and its many aging services and programs serve as models and best practices for professionals working with older adults around the country.

Mather LifeWays Site Visit

ASA has long had a connection with Chicago and we are delighted to return there next week for the 2013 Aging in America Conference. We are particularly glad to have the opportunity to feature many of the programs, services and professionals that make Chicago’s aging network special. We hope you will join us for Chicago’s Aging Friendly City series, networking events and site visits, all of which are designed to introduce you to Aging in America’s host city and enable you to experience what Chicago has to offer while also expanding your knowledge and skills as a professional in the field of aging.

While you’re with us in Chicago, why not give back to this vibrant community of older adults and the dedicated professionals serving them? We hope you’ll participate in this year’s conference social responsibility project, Caring Hands, by bringing an extra pair of winter gloves with you to Chicago. All the gloves we collect will be donated to seniors in the Chicago area via the following local organizations: Little Brother’s Friends of the Elderly, The Night Ministry, Center on Halsted’s Senior Program, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services-Senior Services Area Agency on Aging.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have worked closely with ASA staff over the last several months to help ensure the success of the annual conference. Specifically, our conference co-chairs, the 2013 local host committee, and all the members of our board of directors, constituent group councils, and awards committee. Thank you for making this event possible!

2013 Aging in America Conference Co-Chairs:

Joyce Gallagher, MA Executive Director Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, City of Chicago Area Agency on Aging

Robyn Golden, MSW, LCSW Director of Health and Aging, Rush University Medical Center

John Holton Director Illinois Department on Aging

Harry Johns President and CEO Alzheimer’s Association

Marta Pereyra, MSW Executive Director Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly

Local Host Committee: