Illinois Department on Aging

We Are Aging Illinois is open to everyone!

At the Illinois State Fair this summer, as part of the larger We Are Aging Illinois social media campaign, more than 120 older adults stopped by the EngAging Illinois photo booth to share their portraits and answer one question: what does aging well mean to you? The stories and photos we collected that day were truly something special, and now we want to hear from you too!

We Are Aging Illinois: Portraits of Joy, Purpose, and Possibility is a storytelling campaign that celebrates the voices, experiences, and wisdom of older adults across our state. Participating is easy — just submit a photo of yourself, alone or with family and friends, and share what aging well means to you. Your photo and answer may be featured on our social media, in EngAging Illinois materials, and in our online exhibit.

See the portraits from the State Fair and get inspired at our online exhibit, then add your own story!

View the exhibit: weareagingil.smugmug.com/Gallery
Submit your photo and answer: tally.so/r/lbplpo

Join our leadership team as the Chief Financial Officer, guiding the Division of Finance and Administration with vision, expertise, and strategic impact. In this executive role, you will shape financial policy, direct complex fiscal operations, and ensure the integrity of the agency’s financial stewardship.

Learn more and apply: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-Chief-Financial-Officer-%28SPSA%2C2%29-IL-62702/1436151400/

Ageism Awareness Day is coming up on Oct. 9 and now is the time to take action! Find resources to advocate against here: https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness

Governor JB Pritzker has officially declared October Assistive Technology Month in Illinois! Assistive technology is a critical tool for supporting independence and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities. Join the Illinois Assistive Technology Program - IATP on October 26 for their Open House and Resource Fair, an event bringing together providers, vendors, and community members from both the aging and disability worlds. Whether you are an older adult, a caregiver, or someone who works in the field, this is a great opportunity to learn about the assistive technology resources available across Illinois.

Learn more and register: iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair

Need help with utility bills? applications open October 1 for income-eligible households. Learn more and apply today - http://prez.ly/rBPd

Visit the DCEO website or call 1-833-711-0374 for more information on eligibility.

Tune in to the latest episode of the LeverAGE podcast featuring Michelle Hoersch, IDoA's Chief Planning Officer, Multisector Plan for Aging!

Michelle joins Mindy Ulstad, Chief of the Bureau of Senior Programs at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, for a conversation on how both states are putting multisector plans for aging into action across healthcare, housing, transportation, and caregiving.

This kind of cross-state collaboration makes EngAging Illinois stronger!

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1274144/episodes/19839371-missouri-and-illinois-join-the-growing-movement-for-multisector-plans-for-aging

Big news for Illinois!

On September 17 at AgeGuide's Aging Summit, Illinois officially joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, receiving its designation certificate at a ceremony attended by IDoA Director Mary Killough and other members of the department.

This designation means that Illinois has pledged to take a hard look at the everyday factors that shape quality of life for older adults — from safe streets and accessible transportation to affordable housing, social inclusion, and access to community services — and improve them. It also connects directly to the goals of EngAging Illinois, our state's comprehensive 10-year plan for aging well.

When communities plan for people at every age and stage of life, everyone benefits!

Learn more about EngAging Illinois at bit.ly/engagingillinois

David E. Risley, a 2022 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame inductee, has been chosen by the state's Legislative Ethics Commission to begin the job of acting legislative inspector general on Oct. 1.

Former federal prosecutor to take over as Illinois’ acting legislative ethics watchdog Oct. 1 David E. Risley has been chosen by the state’s Legislative Ethics Commission to begin the job of acting legislative inspector general on Oct. 1, succeeding Michael P. McCuskey.

Staying physically active can improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility — all of which can help reduce your risk of falling. Talk with your healthcare provider about activities that are right for you.