LANSING, Mich. – Seniors from across Metro Detroit traveled to Lansing on Wednesday to advocate for issues impacting older adults across Michigan.
The May 13 trip, organized by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, brought seniors to the State Capitol for Older Michiganians Day, an annual event focused on aging-related policy and advocacy.
“There are a lot of things happening that seniors need advocacy and support for,” attendee Tamara Parrin said.
Advocates said several issues were top priorities this year, including caregiver support and expanding home care services for seniors.
“This means a lot to me, to go speak to somebody and let them know how we feel,” attendee Andella White said. “We are seniors, and we don’t get the respect we need.”
Attendees also heard directly from lawmakers, including State Senator Ruth Johnson, a Republican from Holly who represents Michigan’s 24th Senate District. Johnson spoke about concerns surrounding Michigan’s guardianship system.
“Right now, we have a broken guardianship system in Michigan, and I have bills we’ve been trying to get through,” Johnson said.
Michigan is home to nearly 1.9 million seniors, and their share of the state’s population continues to grow.
White wore a shirt that read, “Activists Never Retire,” a message she said reflects her commitment to continuing the fight for seniors.
“I’ll be back next year and the year after that one,” she said.