Iowa Department on Aging searching for Iowa centenarians

Today, Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director Donna Harvey 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 Honors Celebration on October 3, 2011. The luncheon event will be held in Des Moines.

“Any Iowan who will be 100 years of age by October 3, 2011 qualifies for this milestone recognition. Iowans who hold the distinction of being centenarians are a group believed to be one of the fastest growing group of Americans”, Director Harvey stated.

If you, a family member or friend, has or will reach this important milestone, please contact the Iowa Department on Aging at: 515/725-3333 or toll-free: 1-800/532-3213.  New Centenarians will be included in the Iowa Department on Aging Centenarian Registry. This registry, which is in the process of being updated, currently reports 491 Iowans aged 100 years and older  The oldest Iowan, to date, is 114 years old and resides in Johnston, Iowa.

Centenarians that are new to the registry will be invited to be honored guests at the 2011 Centenarian Honors Celebration on October 3, 2011 in Des Moines. All centenarians will receive a certificate signed by the Governor. Those centenarians who attend the luncheon event will get their certificate personally presented to them by Governor Branstad.

For more information regarding the Centenarian Honors Celebration, please contact Machelle Shaffer at the Iowa Department on Aging, 510 East 12Machelle.shaffer@iowa.gov .

To find out more on the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA), visit

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Street, Suite 2, Des Moines, IA 50319-9025; Phone: (515) 725-3312 or 1-800-532-3213, or e-mail:

http://www.aging.iowa.gov/ .  To locate resources for older adults and people with disabilities, visit

www.lifelonglinks.org.