PRINTER'S NO. 28
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
50
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY NEILSON, BIZZARRO, HILL-EVANS, READSHAW, EVERETT,
SCHLOSSBERG, LONGIETTI, SAMUELSON, FREEMAN, DiGIROLAMO,
STURLA, PASHINSKI, CIRESI, DALEY, KORTZ, CONKLIN, WARREN,
CALTAGIRONE, DeLUCA AND McCLINTON, JANUARY 25, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JANUARY 25, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of February 2019 as "National Senior
Independence Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, As individuals grow older, communities become a
source of support and engagement, and allowing older adults to
remain in their communities allows them to preserve a critical
connection to meaningful memories, people, places and things;
and
WHEREAS, According to a survey conducted by the AARP, 76% of
adults over 50 years of age would prefer to stay in their
current residence as long as possible; and
WHEREAS, The same AARP survey revealed that 77% of adults
over 50 years of age would prefer to remain in their local
communities for as long as possible; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, only 59% of Americans over 50 years
of age anticipate that they will be able to age in place in
their communities; and
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WHEREAS, Falling is one of the most prevalent risks to
seniors and their independence; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1 in 4 adults who are 65 years of age or older
experience a fall and more than 3 million older adults are
treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries each
year; and
WHEREAS, Whether a fall causes injury or not, it can carry a
heavy quality-of-life impact that can force seniors to limit
their activities and social engagement within their community;
and
WHEREAS, In order for seniors to ensure that their homes are
a place in which they can live safely and independently, they
should check that all rooms are well lit and make lighting
replacements where needed; and
WHEREAS, Grab bars and handrails near the shower, bathtub and
toilet are recommended for installation in restrooms in seniors'
homes; and
WHEREAS, Seniors should also keep floors and walkways clear
of unnecessary items in order to be able to navigate areas of
their home without fear of falling; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Health and Human
Services Administration on Aging (AoA) promotes the well-being
of older individuals by providing services and programs designed
to help them live independently in their homes and communities;
and
WHEREAS, For more than 35 years, the AoA has provided home-
based and community-based services to millions of older adults
through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act of
1965; and
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WHEREAS, Services provided using AoA funds include, but are
not limited to, transportation, adult day care, caregiver
supports and health promotion programs; and
WHEREAS, "National Senior Independence Month" serves as an
opportunity to remind seniors to evaluate their current living
situation, recognize the strengths and weaknesses in their daily
routine and make adjustments for a better lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recognizes the need to
raise awareness of the services available and the steps seniors
and their families can take to allow older Pennsylvanians to
remain in their homes and communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of February 2019 as "National Senior Independence Month"
in Pennsylvania.
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