WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was originally designated by President John F. Kennedy in May of 1963 as Senior Citizens Month. President Kennedy wanted to acknowledge the extensive contributions and sacrifices of older Americans, past and future; and
WHEREAS, President Jimmy Carter officially changed the name of the month to “Older Americans Month” in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Older Americans (65+) enrich their neighborhoods and contribute to their communities every day, sharing valuable knowledge and experience with younger family and community members; and
WHEREAS, According to data from U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey Report of 2016, there is an estimated population of 49.2 million Americans over the age of 65. The United States will have an estimated 98.2 million residents over the age of 65 by 2060; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a population of more than 200,000 over the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, This data helps to emphasize the contributions of Americans as they age, but also to raise awareness of elderly abuse and neglect around the country. According to the National Council of Aging, 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elderly abuse; and
WHEREAS, Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) designates a theme for Older Americans Month. For 2019, the theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute”, encouraging older adults to “connect” with friends and family, “create” by engaging in activities to promote healthy learning, and to “contribute” time, talent and life experiences to the younger people around them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Declares the Month of May as “Older Americans Month” and recognizes the contributions made by older Americans in the City of Philadelphia.
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