Governor's Conference on Aging set for May 12-14 in Helena

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Public Health and Human Services wants to honor Montana centenarians this spring at the 47th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging slated for May 12-14 in Helena at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel.

  DPHHS is asking people to submit names of Montanans who will turn age 100 or older as of Dec. 31. The centenarians will be honored at a noon luncheon on May 12.

DPHHS Director Richard Opper said the noon centenarian luncheon brings together some of Montana’s finest citizens.

“We look forward to honoring Montana centenarians every year,” he said. “They have amazing stories to tell and provide such a unique perspective on life.”

In order to honor centenarians, DPHHS requests names of Montanans who will turn age 100 or older as of December 31, 2015, or who are already over the age of 100 be submitted to DPHHS. 

“We are not only looking for Montana Centenarians, but also want to recognize the oldest World War II Veterans at this year’s conference,” Opper said.

  All centenarians who submit information will receive a recognition proclamation from Gov. Steve Bullock, as well as a free lunch during the luncheon event. 

  The Governor’s Conference on Aging is designed to raise the public’s awareness of the state’s current elderly population, as well as focus attention on the impact of the baby boom generation which started turning 65 in 2011. The theme of the conference is: “Insights into Alzheimer’s disease, lifespan respite care and other aging resources and supports”.

  Montana’s 2010 census showed that Montana is home to 175 centenarians and that number continues to grow and is one of the fastest growing segments of our aging population. 

Centenarians or friends or family members are encouraged to supply DPHHS with the following information by April 1, so they can be recognized — the first five items are required in order to receive a certificate:

1.  Centenarian’s name.

2. Contact person (who to send certificate to).

3. Contact person’s phone number and email address

4.  Mailing address (where to send the certificate).

5. Birth date of centenarian.

6.  Are they a World War II veteran?

7.  Where were they born?

8. If not born in Montana, what is their story on how they got to Montana?

9. What is the secret to their longevity?

10. What has been the most amazing event in their life that they would like to share?

11. What is their favorite quote?

12. Anything else they would like us to know about the centenarian?

13. If planning to attend one of the centenarian luncheons, a picture of the centenarian needs to be provided when you send in the information above.

  Send Centenarian information to:

Governor’s Conference on Aging-Centenarians

DPHHS-SLTC

P.O. Box 4210

Helena, MT 59604-4210

Or email [email protected]

  For more information on the conference or to register to attend, people can access the conference website by going to Governor’s Conferences on Aging at http://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/GovernorsCon-ferenceonAging.

  For more information, call 1-800-332-2272 and ask for the Office on Aging or 406-444-6061.