Seniors Honored for Contributions to Community

"Without your unconditional love and support, Hawai`i would not be what it is today," said Governor Lingle.

Last year, 750 RSVP volunteers donated 100,000 hours of time to nonprofits, public agencies and schools on O`ahu. In addition, more than 300 volunteers participated in Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs.

Work being done by RSVP volunteers includes tutoring youth, serving elders in nursing homes, delivering meals to homebound seniors, advocating for children of abuse and neglect and helping with emergency preparedness.

The Governor thanked the volunteers for sharing their lifetime of experience, knowledge, skills and empathy with others and highlighted the role seniors play within their own families.

"With the rising cost of living, parents are not able to spend as much time with their children. Your love and support makes a tremendous difference in the lives of your grandchildren," said Governor Lingle, as she reflected on the important role her grandmother played in her childhood. 

With senior citizens making up 18 percent of Hawai`i's population, and a projected 25 percent by 2020, partnerships between federal, state and local agencies, and especially volunteers, are more important now than ever.

The Department of Human Services is working with community partners to expand independent living options for the elderly.  A program called "Going Home Plus" started this month, which reduces the cost of long-term care and, more importantly, allows seniors who otherwise would be in hospital or nursing home to lead healthier, more active lives.