[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 21, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4618-S4619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, in 1963, President Kennedy began 
an important tradition of designating a time for our country to honor 
our older citizens for their many accomplishments and contributions to 
our Nation. I rise today to continue that tradition and recognize May 
as ``Older Americans Month.'' Those of us who have worked diligently in 
the U.S. Senate to ensure that older Americans are able to live in 
dignity and independence during their later years, welcome this 
opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of those 
individuals who have played such a major role in shaping our great 
Nation. We honor them for their hard work and the countless sacrifices 
they have made throughout their lifetimes, and look forward to their 
continued contributions to our country's welfare.
  Today's older citizens have witnessed more technological advances 
than any other generation in our Nation's history. Seniors today have 
lived through times of extreme economic depression and prosperity, 
times of war and peace, and have seen incredible advancements in the 
fields of science, medicine, transportation and communications. They 
have not only adapted to these changes remarkably well, but they have 
continued to make meaningful contributions to this country.
  Recent Census figures reveal that the number of older Americans 
continues to grow. The population of those 85 and older grew 37 percent 
during the 1990s, while the Nation's overall population increased only 
13 percent. Approximately 35 million people 65 and older were counted 
in the 2000 Census as well as 50,500 Americans who were 100 or older. 
Baby boomers, who represented one-third of all Americans in 1994, will 
enter the 65-years-and-older category over the next 13 to 34 years, 
substantially increasing this segment of our population.
  At the same time the number of older Americans is skyrocketing, they 
are in much better health and far less likely than their counterparts 
of previous generations to be impoverished, disabled or living in 
nursing homes. Older Americans are working and volunteering far beyond 
the traditional retirement age to give younger generations the benefit 
of their wisdom. In 2000, those 65 and over comprise 14 percent of the 
U.S. labor force.
  These positive figures show that commitment to programs such as 
Medicare and Social Security, and investment in biomedical research and 
treatment are improving the quality of life for older Americans. One of 
our national goals must be to ensure all older Americans benefit from 
these improvements. In Congress, we must ensure our legislative 
priorities reflect the dedication that older Americans have provided to 
this country. This includes expanding and strengthening those programs 
that effectively aid older Americans, and addressing those that fall 
short of assisting this valuable and constantly expanding segment of 
our society.
  By 2020, Medicare will be responsible for covering nearly 20 percent 
of the population. Though Medicare meets the health care needs of 
millions of Americans, it was created in a different time before the 
benefits of prescription medicines had become such an integral part of 
health care. Three in 5 Medicare beneficiaries lack affordable, 
prescription drug coverage. Although people 65 and older are 12.5 
percent of the population, they fill 34 percent of all prescriptions. 
Today it is difficult to imagine quality healthcare coverage without 
including medicines that treat and prevent illnesses.

  I have and will continue to fight for Medicare prescription drug 
coverage for all seniors. As a cosponsor of the Medicare Prescription 
Drug Coverage Act of 2001, I recognize the predicament of many older 
Americans as they struggle to live independently on a fixed income and 
afford costly prescription drugs. The huge advances in biomedical 
research that have led to the life saving drugs and treatment are of 
little use if the population that stands to benefit the most cannot 
afford them. It is imperative that we address the needs of the 
Americans who have devoted so much of their life experience and 
achievement to better our society. Like all Americans, they deserve 
access to comprehensive health care.
  One of the strengths that I admire most about older generations is 
their devotion and concern for younger Americans. As we face the 
dilemma of funding Social Security and investigate proposals to 
privatize the program, older Americans have been the most outspoken 
advocates of ensuring its existence for future generations. Their 
determination to preserve this

[[Page S4619]]

important social insurance program is not weakened by reports that 
privatization proposals would not alter or reduce their benefits. 
Instead, they fight on, trying to ensure the benefits of Social 
Security will be there for others for years to come.
  I have always been impressed with the degree to which our elders 
contribute to American society. Our Nation's older generations are an 
ever-growing resource that deserve our attention, our gratitude, and 
our heart-felt respect. As observance of Older Americans Month comes to 
a close, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to 
implement public policies that affirm the contributions of older 
Americans to our society and ensure that they all live their later 
years in dignity.

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