Governor Josh Shapiro of Abington Township received the 2025 “Champion for Aging” award during the Connected Health and Safety Association national conference this week in Philadelphia.
The award honors Shapiro’s development of Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth’s Master Plan for Aging and Disabilities, among other initiatives supporting older adults across Pennsylvania.
“Governor Shapiro has set a new bar for aging policy in America,” Geoff Gross, President of CHS and Founder & CEO of Medical Guardian, said in a statement. “His administration has delivered practical solutions, from expanding Medicaid coverage for safety devices to strengthening caregiver support and home-based services, that empower older adults to age with dignity and security. His leadership reflects the mission of CHS to empower independence, enhance wellness, and protect lives, and we are proud to recognize him as our Champion for Aging.”
The Shapiro administration also helped Pennsylvania to earn an “Age-Friendly State by AARP” designation, which is awarded by the AARP in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The designation, given in May, recognizes states committed to “being great places to grow up and grow older”. Pennsylvania was one of 13 states to receive it.
“I’m proud to accept the 2025 Champion for Aging Award from the Connected Health & Safety Association. Like CHS, I find great purpose in giving older Pennsylvanians the freedom to live on their own terms and the support they need to age with dignity and respect,” Shapiro said. “That care and compassion are at the heart of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year strategic road map to meet the needs of older adults. By 2030, that population will outnumber every other generation, so my administration will continue to take decisive action to deliver the services they need. From historic property tax/rent rebates to affordable housing to reliable transportation, I’m going to keep delivering for our seniors and make certain the Commonwealth remains a place where they can thrive in their golden years.”
In related news, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is launching a free legal service and referral helpline to support grandparents raising grandchildren.
From the announcement:
Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren often need to access resources quickly. This statewide helpline will link these caregivers to free legal advice, information and referrals. There are approximately 83,000 grandparents who are among other kinship caregivers – such as aunts or uncles, adult siblings, or a close family friend – who are caring for nearly 260,000 children in Pennsylvania.
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