[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNITION OF PATHWAYS TO POSITIVE AGING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pathways to 
Positive Aging, a collaborative project between the city of Fremont 
California's Human Services Department and the Tri-City Elder 
Coalition. This exciting Robert Wood Johnson funded project is helping 
seniors and communities to make choices for a healthier future. This 
community plan enables all older adults living in the Tri-City area of 
Fremont, Newark and Union City, California to understand, choose and 
access culturally enriched affordable services and opportunities that 
enhance their quality of life.
  The Tri-City Elder Coalition is comprised of over 60 organizations 
and individuals including health care and long-term care providers, 
community and government agencies, faith-based/cultural organizations, 
senior service organizations, universities, elected officials and older 
adults.
  The city of Fremont and the Tri-City Elder Coalition have identified 
five initiatives that support the health, well-being and independence 
of older adults. These include increased access to older adult 
services, increasing and sustaining older adult mobility, increasing 
the capacity of community groups to serve all older adults, and 
fostering cross cultural and intergenerational exchange that create 
meaningful opportunities for older adults.
  Pathways to Positive Aging will focus on older adults who are at 
increased risk of disability due to poverty, race, ethnicity, chronic 
illness or advanced age as well as older adults with physical or 
cognitive impairments who require long-term care and supportive 
services.
  It takes a community to support successful aging. Pathways to 
Positive Aging is a community partnership focused on improving long-
term care and supportive service systems to meet the current and future 
needs of older adults.
  I applaud the city of Fremont Human Services Department and the Tri-
City Elder Coalition for meeting the challenge to build a community 
that is safe and welcoming; one that respects diversity and values 
senior participation; a place where information is easily available for 
all seniors; where seniors can be actively involved and where cultures 
and generations come together to support one another.
  Pathways to Positive Aging will bring awareness, acceptance and a 
call to action that will embrace the aging process for all Tri-City 
residents. I join the community in thanking the city of Fremont Human 
Services Department and the Tri-City Elder Coalition for their 
commitment and dedication to make a positive difference toward 
successful aging.

                          ____________________