For Immediate Release:
May 1, 2006
Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062
“We can learn about courage from older Americans,” says Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) Director Julia M. Eckstein, who kicks off Older Americans Month today with four stories of older people who serve as role models for their communities.
Eckstein refers to Jewell Franklin of Linn Creek, Helen “Sugie” Vieth of Taos, Billy Swyres of Ellington and Don Brown of St. Louis. “Each is a vital part of his or her community and offers lessons about faith, love and perseverance,” says Eckstein. “I hope newspapers, TV and radio stations across the state feature their stories so that the younger generation and all Missourians can be inspired.”
For instance, Franklin, almost 99, still climbs in his New Holland tractor several times a week to check on his cattle and almost 1,000 acres of farmland. That is, after he's had his daily bowl of oatmeal.
Pictures and articles of the four appear on the DHSS Web site throughout May, http://www.dhss.mo.gov/OlderAmericansMonth/. To view the stories, click on the blue-and-orange Older Americans Month logo. The site also highlights inspiring tales of other older Americans and displays statistics about how they're dramatically different from previous generations. For one thing, they're better educated and living longer and healthier lives.
Older Americans Month originated with a presidential proclamation in May 1963. U.S. presidents ever since then have proclaimed May 1 through May 31 as a time to honor and pay tribute to past and current older people, particularly those who have defended our country. The month is celebrated with ceremonies, events and fairs nationwide and this year's theme is “Choices for Independence.”
For more information, contact the Department of Health and Senior Services at (573) 751-6062.