50+ Lifestyles

Iowa Department on Aging Searches for Centenarians

The Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director Ro Foege has reached out to fellow Iowans who may be, or know someone, who is 100 years or older, to contact the Department so that they can be a part of the Iowa Centenarians Recognition Luncheon. The luncheon will be held as part of the LIVE WELL PLAN WELL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY event being held October 6, 2010.

“Any Iowan who will be 100 years of age by October 6, 2010 qualifies for this milestone recognition. Iowans who hold the distinction of being centenarians are part of a group believed to be the fastest growing group of Americans,” Director Foege stated.

If you, or a family member, has or will reach this important milestone, please contact the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) at: 515/725-3333 or toll-free: 1-800/532-3213. New Centenarians will be included in the Iowa Centenarian Registry. This registry, which is in the process of being updated, currently reports 646 Iowans aged 100 years and older
(554 females and 92 males.) Of these, there are 119 aged 105 and older. The oldest Iowan, to date, is 113 years old and resides in Johnston, Iowa.

Centenarians that are new to the registry will be invited to be honored guests at the 2010 LIVE WELL PLAN WELL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY event and Centenarian Recognition Luncheon on October 6, 2010. All centenarians will receive a certificate signed by the Governor.

For more information regarding the centenarian recognition, please contact Machelle Shaffer, at Iowa Department on Aging, 510 East 12th Street, Suite 2, Des Moines, IA 50319-9025; (515) 725-3312 or 1-800-532-3213, fax at (515) 725-3300, or e-mail: Machelle.Shaffer@iowa.gov.