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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Phyllis Mundy |
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Mundy: Aging hearing draws testimony on baby boomers
HARRISBURG, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, said the committee yesterday heard testimony from a panel of experts about the projected impact of the aging baby boomer population in Pennsylvania. Baby boomers, or people born between 1946 and 1964 when the country experienced a spike in birth rates, make up 60 percent of today’s work force.
Mundy said the first wave of Pennsylvania’s 2.5 million and the nation’s 77 million baby boomers turned 65 at the beginning of the year.
"This is significant when you consider that Pennsylvania is ranked third in the nation of people aged 65 and older," Mundy said. "Clearly, the retirement of baby boomers will pose significant challenges not only to our economy but to the long-term care system, and corresponding governmental programs."
Former U.S. Sen. Harris Wofford, spokesman for Experience Wave, testified at the hearing on ways to supplement the wave of retirees leaving the workforce. Experience Wave is a Washington, D.C.-based campaign that works to advance federal and state policies that help mid-life and older adults remain in or return to the workplace.
"Fortunately, baby boomers are a tremendous resource of experience, talent and knowledge for the public, private and nonprofit sectors. And most of them want to be of use," Wofford said. "Older people engaged in work and civic life will be healthier and more financially secure, making them less dependent on federal and state programs."
Mundy said the committee also heard testimony from Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower, who said keeping civic engagement comprises much of the 2008 to 2012 state plan her agency is developing, as is required every four years by federal law.
Other experts testifying at the hearing were Dr. Stuart Shapiro, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association; Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna County; and Desiree Hung, associate state director for advocacy for AARP Pennsylvania.
"Our goal was to glean from the experts what to expect in the coming years so that we are prepared for the challenges ahead," Mundy said.
The committee has scheduled an additional hearing on the issue for Wednesday, Feb. 6, when it will hear from long-term care providers and advocates for the senior community.
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CONTACT: Carolyn E. Touma
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