Jimmy Carter

“ Now, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of May 1979 as Older Americans Month. I ask public officials at all levels, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, and people of all ages, to promote better health care and social services for older people, and to undertake appropriate projects both on a public and on a personal level to ensure the best possible health for older people. ”

“ Our country's awareness of the contributions and potential of our older people has steadily grown in recent years, as an increasing number of Americans have shown that their later years can indeed be rewarding ones for themselves and their communities.
Yet for too many of our people, the later years are often wasted and miserable because of health problems. This year's theme for the May observance of Older Americans Month is "Better Health Through Better Care." ”

“ The accessibility of all types of health services is critically important to the elderly, and holding down the costs of both crisis-oriented and preventive services is essential if the real needs are to be met.
As we make greater use of the abilities of older Americans, and find ways to better meet their special needs, particularly in relation to health services, all of our people will benefit. ”