[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 84 (Monday, June 18, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING THE MERCK INSTITUTE OF AGING & HEALTH

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate the Merck 
Institute of Aging & Health and its executive director, Dr. Patricia 
Barry, on its public introduction today.
  As the baby boom becomes the senior boom, the number of Americans 
over 65 will double within the next 30 years to 70 million. This 
significant increase in the life span means that we must find ways to 
increase the health span, or America will grow sicker as it grows 
older.
  Located in Washington, DC, the Merck Institute of Aging & Health is a 
new nonprofit organization established to help increase the health span 
by promoting active aging. Funded by the respected Merck Company 
Foundation of White House Station, NJ, the new institute is 
specifically dedicated to improving the health, independence, and 
quality of life of older people around the world. It will fulfill this 
mission by communicating vital health information, educating the public 
and health professionals about healthy aging, and encouraging research 
in the aging field.
  As more individuals start to enjoy longer lives, they also need to 
enjoy better lives. They need to learn how to age without losing 
independence, and they need to see the promise of active aging 
transformed into reality. This is both the challenge and charge of the 
new institute, and I have every confidence that its director and staff 
will meet that challenge and help the public, professionals, and 
policymakers face the critical issue of active aging in the 21st 
century. In the process, I know that this institute will help prove, in 
the words of Dr. Barry, that ``Aging should not be seen as an obstacle, 
but as an opportunity.''
  Again, I congratulate the Merck Institute of Aging & Health on its 
public introduction, and I wish it continued success throughout the 
coming years.

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