Ronald Reagan

“ Within recent years, older Americans have achieved economic parity with the rest of our Nation's population. This welcome development has meant a true sense of independence for most older Americans.
The tremendous strides that we as a Nation have made in our standard of living and health care have also meant that each succeeding generation of older Americans is proving to be more vigorous and self-sufficient than were its forebears at comparable ages. This translates into a real increase in independence for our Nation's older people. ”

“ Each of us can enrich the lives of others-and ennoble our own lives-by volunteering in whatever way we can to help older Americans in need of assistance. Age is no barrier to this effort, which should involve families, neighbors, and friends, as we help others continue to realize the dream of independence.
When we-each in our own way-strive to maintain our independence and help others to do the same, we will be fulfilling the theme of this year's Older Americans Month, "Help Yourself to Independence." ”

“ In the years ahead, we can enhance our personal independence even further by pursuing lifestyles designed to protect our health; by thoughtful planning for our retirement years; and by maintaining strong and close ties with our families, neighbors, and friends. ”