WHEREAS, May has been nationally designated as Older Americans Month since President John F. Kennedy first recognized it in 1963; and
WHEREAS, There will be 353,000 Philadelphians over the age of 55 by 2015 and the number of City residents between the ages of 65-74 will increase by 17% between 2015 and 2025. The 75 to 84-year-old group will grow by 14%; and
WHEREAS, The concept of aging is shifting as more people in the second half of life are staying active, involved and engaged longer at work, home, and throughout the community as urban dwellers; and
WHEREAS, On May 9, 2011, a summit entitled Aging in a New Age will take place in Philadelphia to address the opportunities and challenges of the increasing aging population and to harness the talents, wisdom and skills of Philadelphians to make Philadelphia a flagship city for all ages; and
WHEREAS, The Aging in a New Age Summit is a joint effort of government, non-profit and private sectors which will take place at WHYY and four satellite locations throughout the City and will engage policymakers and community members to propose legislation and other initiatives to create a city truly welcoming to all ages; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby celebrates May as Older Americans Month and designates May 9, 2011 as Aging in a New Age Day to recognize the diversity and contributions that Philadelphians in their second half of life have made and continue to make to our culture, economy and the character of our communities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the sponsors and partners of the Aging in a New Age Summit as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End