HARRISBURG, PA — A statewide media initiative focused on aging issues in Pennsylvania has earned a top industry award, highlighting efforts to raise awareness and connect residents with resources as the state’s older population grows.
What This Means for You
- A statewide initiative is expanding awareness of aging-related issues and resources
- Public media partnerships are helping inform families and caregivers
- Pennsylvania’s older population is rapidly increasing, shaping future policy needs
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced that Aging Together in PA received an Excellence in Broadcasting award from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, recognizing creative and production achievements across the state’s broadcast industry.
The year-long initiative was developed in partnership with public broadcasting stations WVIA and WITF and supported by AllOne Foundation & Charities.
Addressing Aging Challenges
The program produced documentaries and digital content focused on issues affecting older adults, including caregiving, housing, transportation, scams, and ageism — discrimination based on age.
The initiative also featured live town halls broadcast across Pennsylvania, where policymakers and residents discussed challenges related to independence and access to services.
“We are so proud that the product of this collaboration… has been recognized… as a tool to help all of us converse, listen and learn about aging in Pennsylvania,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
Guided by Statewide Input
The topics explored in the initiative were shaped by feedback from more than 20,000 older adults, advocates, and experts who contributed to the state’s long-term strategic plan for aging services.
That plan, known as Aging Our Way, PA, outlines a 10-year framework to improve services and prepare for demographic changes.
Growing Population Trends
Pennsylvania is home to approximately 3,400,000 residents age 60 and older, representing about one in four residents.
Officials project that within five years, older adults will account for one in three Pennsylvanians and become the largest age group in the state.
Next Steps
State officials said the initiative will continue to support public discussions and partnerships aimed at improving services and quality of life for older adults across Pennsylvania.
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