Older Michiganians Day Is Almost Here — Let Your Voice Be Heard
In just two short weeks, advocates from across the state will gather in Lansing to speak up for older adults, adults with disabilities, and the caregivers who support them. Older Michiganians Day takes place on Wednesday, May 13, and it’s an important opportunity to raise awareness, connect with legislators, and advocate for policies that help people age with dignity and choice.
What Is Older Michiganians Day?
Older Michiganians Day is a statewide advocacy event focused on issues that directly impact the health, independence, and well-being of older adults. This year’s priorities include:
- Expanding access to home and community-based services (HCBS)
- Supporting unpaid family caregivers
- Strengthening and modernizing the MI Choice waiver program
- Ensuring responsible and equitable Medicaid spending
The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure older adults and people with disabilities can remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 13
- Location: South Lawn / Front of the Michigan Capitol, Lansing
- Time: Program begins at 10:00 a.m. | Lunch at 12:15 p.m.
- Cost: Free to attend
Advocates from Senior Resources of West Michigan and across the state will join together to share a unified message with policymakers. Boxed lunches are provided, and we are helping coordinate carpooling for those who would like to attend.
👉 Please email kwilcox@seniorresourceswmi.org if you would like to carpool, or call 231-733-3509 for more information. A head count is needed to ensure enough lunches are available.
Can’t Attend? You Can Still Advocate
Whether or not you’re able to travel to Lansing, your voice still matters.
Senior Action Week runs May 11–15, and each day will focus on a different policy issue affecting older adults and caregivers. We’ll be sharing easy, action-ready opportunities so you can contact legislators and advocate on behalf of the issues that matter most to you — no prior advocacy experience required.
We truly mean it when we say: we’ll make it painless.
👉 Take action today or during Senior Action Week:
https://4ami.org/advocacy/take-action#/
This advocacy page provides talking points, messaging tools, and guidance to help you contact your elected officials quickly and confidently.
Why Advocacy Matters
Michigan continues to lag behind the national average in funding home and community-based services. Far too many older adults wait months — sometimes years — for services that could help them remain safely at home. At the same time, family caregivers provide billions of dollars in unpaid care each year and need greater recognition and support.
Advocating together helps ensure that:
- Seniors are not forced into costly institutional care prematurely
- Caregivers receive the respite, education, and financial relief they need
- Programs like MI Choice remain strong, accessible, and future-ready
Thank You for Standing With Us
On behalf of the older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers throughout Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties, thank you for your continued advocacy, partnership, and commitment to aging well in West Michigan.
Whether you join us in Lansing, carpool with fellow advocates, or take action from home, your voice makes a difference.
