It’s Older Americans Month and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley is recognizing outstanding contributions made by older Marylanders and people and groups who serve them with the 2011 Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards, including ChangingAging’s Dr. Bill Thomas.
Bill will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his pioneering work to promote culture change in long term care. Maryland Sect. of Aging Gloria Lawlah wrote to Dr. Thomas:
As an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare, your work is challenging long held views about long term care and forcing the industry and policymakers to return the focus to the individual in order to assure dignity and quality of life. We are especially pleased that your work has generated the first of what we hope will be many Green House projects and other examples of culture change in Maryland.
I’ll be joining Bill for the awards ceremony May 10 in Catonsville, Md., and look forward to meeting the other Governor’s award winners. Each year the governor has honored trailblazers, such as Bill, as well older adults in these categories:
- Visual or Performing Arts. An individual, 60 years of age or older, or a group (members must be 55 years of age or older), who has demonstrated excellence in the visual or performing arts.
- Health and Vitality. An individual, 60 years of age or older, who has demonstrated a commitment to healthy living, and who serves as a role model for others.
- Photography. An individual 60 years or older who demonstrates excellence in photography or photojournalism that portrays “Successful Aging”.
The public is invited to join the ceremony at the Catonsville Senior Center at 1 p.m. on May 10.
