THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, KITCHEN, FERLO, DINNIMAN, FONTANA, BAKER, KASUNIC, STACK, ORIE, FARNESE, SOLOBAY, PIPPY, WASHINGTON, PILEGGI, BOSCOLA, EARLL, RAFFERTY, M. WHITE, COSTA, ALLOWAY, ERICKSON, HUGHES, GREENLEAF, BRUBAKER, BREWSTER, VOGEL AND SCHWANK, MAY 10, 2011

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MAY 10, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the month of May 2011 as "Older Americans Month" in

Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Older adults have made important contributions to

the culture, economy and character of this nation and this

Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Today's older Americans span three generations, have

lived through wars and hard times as well as periods of

unprecedented prosperity and have also pioneered new

technologies in medicine, communications and industry while

spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for

minorities, women and disabled Americans; and

WHEREAS, Older Americans have been honored during the month

of May since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy issued the

first proclamation asking that the entire nation pay tribute in

some way to older persons in their communities; and

WHEREAS, When "Older Americans Month" was first established,

only 17 million Americans reached their 65th birthdays, about

one-third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few

programs to meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, Today, increasing numbers of adults are reaching

retirement age and remaining strong and active for longer than

ever before; and

WHEREAS, By the year 2030, America's senior population is

expected to number 71.5 million; and

WHEREAS, As the new generation of seniors becomes better

educated and more financially secure than their predecessors,

seniors are spending more time making significant contributions

in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities;

and

WHEREAS, The theme for this year's annual "Older Americans

Month" is "Connecting the Community" which pays homage to the

many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity

to the fabric of our communities; and

WHEREAS, The annual commemoration of "Older Americans Month"

is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of older

citizens and join in providing services and support that empower

the elderly; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of May 2011 as

"Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania.