[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6014-S6015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today begins what I anticipate 
will be a productive and useful week for the more than 2,200 delegates 
here in Washington for the fourth White House Conference on Aging. I 
commend President Clinton for convening the first White House 
Conference on Aging since 1981, and want to take this opportunity to 
welcome all of the participants in this important policy conference, 
especially those from my own State of Maryland.
  In the spirit of the first White House Conference on Aging 
established by President Kennedy in 1961, this week's 
[[Page S6015]]  Conference will address common problems facing all 
generations of Americans and seek to increase public awareness of the 
interdependence of generations and the essential contributions of older 
people. It will also facilitate the development of public policy 
recommendations to maintain and improve the well-being of the aging. 
Mr. President, this is an important and full agenda and I applaud all 
who are participating in this timely Conference.
  Senior citizens today comprise more than 12 percent of the country's 
population and by the year 2000, that number is expected to surpass 16 
percent. Maryland seniors comprise 15.6 percent of the State's 
population, a figure expected to increase to just over 16.2 percent by 
the year 2000. This demographic transformation poses significant 
challenges and opportunities and the White House Conference on Aging 
provides an excellent framework through which the participants may 
address these issues.
  The considerable participation and interest in the White House 
Conference on Aging clearly illustrates what I have always believed and 
experienced--older Americans want to contribute. They want to work, to 
volunteer, and to participate in improving their communities and their 
Nation. It is critical, in my view, that we recognize and utilize the 
valuable insight, experience and wisdom that senior citizens bring to 
all aspects of life.
  Mr. President, I have always believed strongly in the potential of 
this significant and growing population to contribute to the 
development and implementation of policies that affect all Americans 
and I expect that the coming days will confirm my belief. I want to 
again commend all of the delegates from across the country and wish 
them well as they participate in the fourth White House Conference on 
Aging.


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