[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

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                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor May as Older 
Americans Month. Since 1963 our Nation has come together to celebrate 
the seniors in our communities. This month the theme is ``Never Too Old 
to Play'', which emphasizes how important it is for older Americans to 
stay active and engaged in their communities.
  Communities are encouraged to organize social events like trivia 
night, painting a mural or a team photo scavenger hunt to encourage 
seniors to get involved. Just this past week I hosted a senior luncheon 
in my district.
  This annual event is not only an opportunity to listen to my 
constituents concerns over a great meal, but it is a time for seniors 
to get together and enjoy themselves. We had performances from local 
entertainment groups, speeches and karaoke. It was a wonderful time for 
all involved.
  I have also introduced H.R. 3794, the Expanding Opportunities for 
Older Americans Act of 2011. This bill would amend the Older Americans 
Act of 1965 to include government funding to hire seniors who still 
wish to be working and active. Although seniors have already given so 
much, I truly believe they have much more to offer.
  Older Americans Month is also a great time to bridge the generation 
gap. Children to young adults can learn so much from the older 
generation, but they rarely interact in everyday life. There is so much 
valuable knowledge the young people from this country can receive from 
the older generation, and this is an opportunity for people of all ages 
to get out there and interact together.
  This month also gives me a chance to address an issue of key 
importance; caring for seniors with chronic illness and preventing 
unnecessary hospitalizations. In-home care can make a huge difference 
in recovery from illness and inpatient hospital treatments. Being 
around family and in the comfort of one's own home makes these 
traumatic experiences that much less painful.
  Mr. Speaker, the majority of the skilled home healthcare providers in 
my district deliver high-quality, clinically effective and highly 
efficient care. In-home care is so important for the seniors who would 
otherwise be forced into hospitals without it.
  As an elected official I want to make sure that Medicare funds in my 
district are going to those who qualify and deserve it, so we can 
continue to provide the best care for our seniors. With such a tough 
economic outlook throughout the nation it is of vital importance that 
we are not handing money over to criminals who are trying to play the 
system.
  Mr. Speaker, after decades of paying taxes and working hard so that 
they will have security in retirement, the seniors of America deserve 
our full support. I hope every community takes this month to plan at 
least one event supporting the older generation, and bringing people of 
all ages together.
  This month I honor the seniors of the 37th district of California, as 
well as all seniors across the country. Thank you for all you do, and 
do not forget, ``It is never too old to play''.

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