Shelton AARP chapter honors official for helping seniors [Shelton Herald]
July 21, 2014State Sen. Kevin Kelly, who represents Shelton, received the AARP Legislative Achievement Award at the Shelton AARP chapter’s installation luncheon at Molto Bene Restaurant in Ansonia.
The award recognizes Kelly’s efforts to support residents age 50 and older in 2013. He is ranking member on the General Assembly’s Aging Committee.
Kelly was recognized for his leadership in strengthening community services and caregiver supports that give individuals the choice to age with dignity in their own homes.
“We commend you for your outstanding advocacy on behalf of older adults,” wrote Nora Duncan, AARP state director, in a letter to Kelly. “Because of your legislative work, Connecticut is better positioned to meet the fiscal and personal challenges of an aging population in a way that respects individual choice and personal dignity.”
Helping seniors age in place
Kelly said he has supported new laws that help seniors age in place, remaining in their own homes or community settings regardless of age or disability.
These new laws require outreach to seniors about the supplemental nutrition assistance program, improvements to elder abuse reporting, and a public awareness campaign to teach seniors and caregivers how to resist aggressive marketing tactics and scams.
A “Livable Communities” initiative was also established in 2013, which serves as a forum for review of best practices and resources to help people age in place.
Third AARP award for Kelly
This is the third consecutive year that Kelly was honored with the Legislative Achievement Award.
Kelly is a Republican in his second term. He represents the 21st Senate District, which includes all of Shelton as well as parts of Monroe, Seymour and Stratford. He lives in Stratford and is an attorney.
Connecticut has about 600,000 AARP members across the state. Learn more about the organization at www.aarp.org/ct.
