[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14928-S14929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF OLDER PERSONS

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 234 recognizing the 
contribution of older persons to their communities, submitted earlier 
today by Senator Bayh and others.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. 234) recognizing the contribution of older 
     persons to their communities and commending the work of 
     organizations that participate in programs assisting elderly 
     persons and that promote the goal of the International Year 
     of Older Persons.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today I rise as the author of the 
International Year of the Older Persons resolution to recognize the 
contributions of all the individuals, organizations and agencies that 
have worked hard to participate in the United Nations declared 
``International Year of the Older Persons.'' Since 1999 has been 
declared the Year of the Older Persons, around the world seniors, 
organizations active in senior issues, and representatives of all 
generations have spread the message that collectively we should create 
an environment in which seniors can remain active in their communities 
during each and every stage of their life. This resolution pays tribute 
to all the United States' participants for representing our country in 
the various events held in celebration of the International Year of the 
Older Persons. They have been active throughout the year. It is time 
Congress added its voice and support the efforts of these organizations 
and individuals. This resolution serves as a first step in the role 
Congress can play to assist with the advancement of this year's theme 
and goals.
  The theme of the year, a ``society for all ages,'' recognizes that 
longevity is relevant to all stages of the life cycle, and that 
successful aging is a product of long-term planning, lifelong 
decisions. It is important for the world to reflect upon this theme. 
Too often in America we focus on the negative images associated with 
aging and not the contributions that are made when people remain 
productive throughout their lifetime. America needs to celebrate that 
Americans are living longer! We need to acknowledge that aging can be a 
positive process that benefits everyone in our communities.
  The most important goals of the year are to increase awareness about 
aging within countries and across national boundaries and to formulate 
policies and programs to promote the well-being of older persons. The 
principles highlighted by the resolution include independence, 
participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity. The purpose of the 
year is to empower people to spend their senior years happy and 
healthy. Although the goals and principles of this year have been 
advanced internationally, we need to particularly acknowledge that the 
United States has been well represented by several organizations such 
as the Federal Committee to Prepare for the International Year of Older 
Persons, the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, and the 
American Association for International Aging.
  While America's senior organizations have been deeply involved, it is 
my hope is this resolution will serve as a signal that it is important 
for Congress to take the goals set forth this year and continue the 
efforts to achieve them. Congress should take the leadership the United 
Nations has provided on this issue and continue to build momentum. We 
need to not only recognize and assist those spreading the message but 
implement legislation that actively addresses the needs of seniors. As 
a member of the Special Committee on Aging, I have learned about the 
issues that seniors face and have explored viable administrative and 
legislative solutions.
  I know America needs to be better prepared for its future aging 
population. Currently, about 12.8 million Americans report needing 
long-term care. By 2018, it is estimated that there will be 3.6 million 
elderly persons in need of a nursing home bed, an increase of two 
million from the current future. By 2030, the number of Americans in 
nursing homes will double and the cost of caring for them will 
quadruple. Part of creating a society for all ages includes addressing 
the needs of all ages.
  Long-term care insurance is an option that should be more widely 
discussed among younger people as they begin to prepare for their 
retirement or senior years. However, often we need raise awareness and 
encourage people to take responsibility. That is why I support a tax 
deduction for the purchase of long-term care insurance. In addition, 
with an increasing number of people needing long-term care, we should 
make various options for long-term care more available and affordable.
  While long-term care insurance for community-based care is one 
option, being cared for by a loved one at home should be another 
option. Therefore, in August, I introduced S. 1518, the Caregivers 
Assistance and Resources Enhancement (CARE) tax credit. It takes 
courage and dedication to take care of

[[Page S14929]]

a loved one at home and the least we can do is make the process less 
financially burdensome. Research indicates that the services provided 
by family caregivers annually are valued at $196 billion. The care 
these families provide at home is not only more compassionate, it saves 
the government billions of dollars. Annually, we spend $83 billion in 
nursing home care and $32 billion in formal home health care, we should 
thank caregivers by providing them with some economic relief.
  There is still a great deal of work that can be done to take care of 
current seniors and prepare for the future. We need to have the 
difficult discussions and search for the solutions.
  I want to thank Senator Grassley and Senator Breaux for their support 
and involvement on this resolution and for their leadership on the 
Special Committee on Aging.
  I commend all the organizations and individuals who have worked so 
hard throughout the year to help spread the message associated with the 
International Year of the Older Persons. As America works the remainder 
of this year and in the years to come to achieve the goals set forth by 
the International Year of the Older Persons, we need to seriously 
consider what we in Congress can do to create a society for all ages.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution and preamble be agreed to, en bloc, the motion to reconsider 
be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the resolution 
be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 234) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
  [The resolution was not available for printing. It will appear in a 
future edition of the Record.]

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