Senior citizen

“ Celebration of Older Americans Month summons us as individuals and as a Nation to careful reflection on our attitudes toward and treatment of those of us who are elderly.
If we answer this summons, the need for commensurate action will be apparent to us. Senior citizens merit our express appreciation for their countless, invaluable contributions, past and present, to our Nation. They deserve as well our best efforts to avoid and to dispel false ideas about aging. ”

“ Through the United States Administration on Aging, and through the vast network of State and regional agencies on aging, our Nation is working to provide senior citizens with the opportunities and services that they need and deserve. Many of our efforts are designed to assist elderly Americans who do not have a family member to help care for them. We are also working to provide support to older Americans who serve as primary caregivers for an ill or disabled spouse, parent, or other elderly relative. ”

“ Our Senior Citizens used to be pensioned off, while younger people worked. But when science improved the Seniors' health, they got tired of sitting in corners on pensions and, besides, a lot of them died soon after they stopped working. ”

“ By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land.
With improved health care and more years of productivity, older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a Nation. ”

“ More than 47 million Americans are 60 years old or older. During Older Americans Month, we honor our senior citizens for enriching and strengthening our Nation, and we pledge to continue working to enhance their quality of life. ”

“ Older Americans deserve our respect and support for they have worked diligently in so many ways to enrich and preserve the way of life we all enjoy. Our senior citizens have woven the fabric of our Nation to exemplify the values and beliefs that have made our country great. ”

“ We will improve elderly care in urban and rural areas, support private entities in providing elderly care services such as day care, assistance with meals and cleaning, and rehabilitation care, steadily advance trials for long-term care insurance schemes, and encourage mutual-assistance elderly care in rural areas. We will explore new ways of developing senior citizen education, and promote high-quality development of both elderly care programs and the elderly care sector. ”

“ Today an estimated 42 million Americans are aged 60 and older, and their numbers are growing steadily. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that America now has the second largest population of older people in the world. On this occasion, as we gratefully salute our Nation's senior citizens—the majority of whom are healthy and active—we also recognize those older Americans who need special assistance. ”

“ Today, however, millions of American seniors are changing the way we view old age. Far from fading into the sunset, these men and women are serving as brilliant points of light in their communities. They are serving others through a host of volunteer programs and personal acts of kindness; they are sharing their ample knowledge and experience in the workplace; and they are quietly enriching their families with a wealth of love and wisdom. Across the United States, older Americans are proving that the senior years—like any other season in life—hold great opportunities and rewards of their own. ”

“ Each year, we set aside the month of May as a special time to pay tribute to older Americans and to affirm our obligation to sustain and improve their quality of life. The theme of this year's observance, "Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity," underscores the gifts that older people offer to our country every day. Thanks to senior citizens, our communities are stronger, our Nation is more diverse, and we are better prepared to meet the challenges of the next century. ”

“ This requires all of us to become more willing to familiarize ourselves with the many ways older people continue to achieve in every area of endeavor as they begin second careers, further their educations, and voluntarily serve their neighbors both at home and abroad. We can also resolve to lend our support as the private sector and public agencies help senior citizens maintain independence and as State and Area Agencies on Aging work with community leaders and groups to create responsive service systems for older Americans. ”

“ Advances in medicine, public health, science, and technology are keeping Americans healthier and adding years to our lives. As our population of senior citizens continues to grow, our Nation remains dedicated to fulfilling our promises to these valuable members of our society. This year's observance of Older Americans Month, "What We Do Makes A Difference," recognizes the important contributions of older Americans and the network of services that support them. ”

“ I shall not forget my duty to our senior citizens...so that their lives can be lived in dignity and enrichment of the golden years, nor to our sick, both mental and physical...and they will know we have not forsaken them. I want the farmer to feel confident that in this State government he has a partner who will work with him in raising his income and increasing his markets, and I want the laboring man to know he has a friend who is sincerely striving to better his field of endeavor. ”

“ The number of older Americans continues to grow, thanks in part to advances in medical care and technology and better understanding of the ways nutrition, behavior, and environment affect health. Most senior citizens are active in their communities ”

“ But caregivers should not have to face their challenges alone, and my Administration has worked hard to ensure that they will not have to do so. I am pleased that the Congress has finally passed the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000, which will strengthen and improve the services available to senior citizens in every State, from home- delivered meals to transportation services to legal assistance. ”

“ Drawing on their considerable knowledge and experience, older Americans mentor at- risk children, deliver meals to homebound seniors, and care for frail or chronically ill family members. Others embark on exciting new careers or engage in challenging themselves in athletic competitions. In addition, many seniors have answered my call to service by becoming involved in the Senior Corps domestic service program, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. ”

“ Millions of Americans are now living longer, more productive lives, and many are choosing to stay active in the workforce. Senior citizens are also giving their time and talents by volunteering in many ways—from mentoring youth and participating in environmental stewardship projects to serving the homeless and assisting in emergency preparedness. More than 500,000 senior citizens volunteer through Senior Corps, a network of programs that enables older Americans to meet the needs and challenges of their communities. ”

“ We will take proactive measures to tackle population aging, including developing at-home, community-based, and mutual-aid elderly care, promoting integrated medical and elderly care services, and improving the quality of services at senior care facilities. ”

“ Through the USA Freedom Corps and Senior Corps, older Americans are dedicating their time and energy to strengthening our Nation and serving a cause greater than themselves.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965, which was created to improve the welfare of our seniors. By treating older Americans with the dignity and respect they deserve, we honor their legacy and contributions to our Nation. Their guidance and love enrich our country and make America a better place for all. ”

“ I urge government officials, health care providers, business and community leaders, and the American people to work together to promote healthy aging and to ensure that older citizens enjoy fulfilling, independent, and productive lives. ”

“ The activities sponsored by senior centers are as various and interesting as the citizens who make use of them. Courses on art and literature, discussions of current events, and training sessions on how to use a computer are among the wide variety of events that occur in senior centers. The staffs of these centers are to be commended for their spirit of innovation and their dedication to enhancing the lives of older Americans. Once again, Americans are showing that anything is possible if we have the faith, the will, and the heart. ”

“ Through the Act's programs, administered by the Administration on Aging, millions of older Americans receive critical home and community-based care services that enable them to continue to live independently within their homes and among their loved ones and friends. ”

“ America’s older citizens have earned the gratitude and respect of our society, as well as our recognition of their worth and dignity. In this spirit, the Federal Council on Aging has prepared the Bicentennial Charter for Older Americans expressing their rights and obligations. ”

“ Our Nation can benefit greatly from the experience and hard work of our older Americans, and I am committed to providing service opportunities to achieve this end. We owe older Americans a debt of gratitude and must work to help them age with dignity. Through home- and community-based services, including health promotion and preventive care programs, many older Americans are able to live more independent and healthier lives. ”

“ Our Nation is blessed by our seniors. These individuals teach us lessons of the past, set an example for younger generations, and demonstrate the generosity and love for which Americans are known. This month, I encourage all our citizens to spend time with America's seniors. ”

“ Each year over 2 million of us become older Americans-entering a time of life that can bring new freedom, new choices, and new beginnings. Retirement years offer the freedom to strengthen family bonds and to share knowledge and talents with friends and family members. It can be a time to engage in cultural, intellectual, and recreational activities with others and to provide them with the guidance that comes from a lifetime of experience. ”

“ But these caregivers allow many older Americans to remain at home who would otherwise have to live in nursing homes. Seniors who live at home usually live longer, enjoy a more active life, and spend more time with their families and communities. As they lead fuller lives, this great generation continues to enrich our country by sharing their valuable wisdom and experience with younger generations. ”

“ I ask public officials at all levels, community agencies, educators, the clergy, the communications media, and the American people to take this opportunity to honor older Americans and to encourage them to do everything they can to make their health last a lifetime. ”

“ As we observe this special week, let us remember with appreciation the many invaluable contributions older workers make to our country's progress and prosperity, and let us resolve to give older Americans an equal opportunity to participate in the workplace. ”

“ In recent years we have become more aware of the important contributions older Americans have made in the past and in the tremendous potential they hold for the future. We are increasing our efforts to ensure that they have the opportunity for independent living through security of income, maintenance of health and continued useful involvement in the life of our Nation. ”

“ I also ask individual Americans to think about the older people in their neighborhoods, to lend a hand when the opportunity presents itself, and to offer a friendly smile of greeting to older people. This is a wonderful way to repay the lifetime of care, kindness, and assistance that older people have already given others. It is also a fine way to discover afresh that older Americans, despite the disabilities they might have, can give everyone a great deal of love, wisdom, and friendship in return. ”

“ The Congress hereby finds and declares that, in keeping with the traditional American concept of the inherent dignity of the individual in our democratic society, the older people of our Nation are entitled to, and it is the joint and several duty and responsibility of the governments of the United States, of the several States and their political subdivisions, and of Indian tribes to assist our older people to secure equal opportunity to the full and free enjoyment of the following objectives: (1) An adequate income in retirement in accordance with the American standard of living. ”