Designating May 2023 as Older Americans Month.

Designating May 2023 as Older Americans Month Whereas President John F. Kennedy first designated May as Senior Citizens Month Whereas, in 1963, only approximately 17,778,000 individuals living in the United States were 65 years of age or older, approximately 1/3 Whereas, in 2022, there were more than 57,794,852 individuals who were 65 years of age or older living in the United States and those individuals accounted for 17.3 percent of the total population of the United States; Whereas, during the COVID19 pandemic (1) more than 853,670 individuals in the United States who were 65 years of age or older have died due to COVID19; and (2) more than 200,000 residents and workers in long-term care facilities, including more than 168,000 in nursing homes, have succumbed to the virus; Whereas approximately 11,224 individuals in the United States turn 65 years of age each day; Whereas, in 2022, more than 8,543,000 veterans of the Armed Forces were 65 years of age or older; Whereas older individuals in the United States rely on Federal programs, such as programs under the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. Whereas the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq. (1) supportive services to help individuals in the United States who are 60 years of age or older maintain maximum independence in the homes and communities of those individuals; and (2) funding for programs, including nutrition services, transportation, and care management to assist more than 10,000,000 older individuals in the United States each year; Whereas, as local aging network leaders, Area Agencies on Aging are critical partners in the healthy aging continuum; Whereas, in 2022, an estimated 6,779,000 individuals in the United States who were 65 years of age or older continued to work as full-time, year-round employees; Whereas older individuals in the United States play an important role in society by continuing to contribute their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments; Whereas older individuals in the United States play vital roles in their communities and remain involved in volunteer work, the arts, cultural activities, and activities relating to mentorship and civic engagement; Whereas more than 140,000 older individuals serve as AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, helping communities by mentoring and tutoring children, providing independent living support and companionship to other older adults, addressing food insecurity, and more; and Whereas a society that recognizes the success of older individuals and continues to enhance the access of older individuals to quality and affordable health care will (1) encourage the ongoing participation and heightened independence of older individuals; and (2) ensure the continued safety and well-being of older individuals: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates May 2023 as Older Americans Month (2) encourages the people of the United States to provide opportunities for older individuals to continue to flourish by (A) emphasizing the importance and leadership of older individuals through public recognition of the ongoing achievements of older individuals; (B) presenting opportunities for older individuals to share their wisdom, experience, and skills with younger generations; and (C) recognizing older individuals as valuable assets in strengthening communities across the United States.

Summary: This resolution designates May 2023 as Older Americans Month.