[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9541]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                IN RECOGNITION OF OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of ``Older 
Americans Month.'' Since 1963 when President Kennedy began this 
important tradition, each May has been designated as a time for our 
country to honor our older citizens for their many accomplishments and 
contributions to our Nation. 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 look forward to this 
opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of those 
individuals who have played such a major role in the shaping of 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 incredible advancements in the fields of 
science, medicine, transportation and communications. They have adapted 
to these changes remarkably well while continuing to make meaningful 
contributions to this country.
  Recent Census figures reveal that the number of Americans 85 and 
older grew 37 percent during the 1990's while the nation's overall 
population increased only 13 percent. Baby boomers, who represented 
one-third of all Americans in 1994, will enter the 65-years-and-older 
category over the next 13-34 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. More older Americans are working and volunteer far 
beyond the traditional retirement age to give younger generations the 
benefit of their wisdom. These 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 experience these improvements. We must continue to enact 
meaningful legislation to help meet the needs of this valuable and 
constantly expanding segment of our society.
  By 2020, Medicare will be responsible for covering nearly 20 percent 
of the population. Yet 3 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries lack affordable, 
prescription drug coverage. Though Medicare works, it was created in a 
different time before the benefits of prescription medicines had become 
such an integral part of health care. Today it is unthinkable to think 
of quality healthcare coverage without including the medicines that 
treat and prevent illnesses. I have and will continue to fight for 
Medicare prescription drug coverage. As a cosponsor of the Medicare 
Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2001, I recognize the predicament 
many older Americans are in as they struggle to live independently on a 
fixed income and afford costly prescription drugs. 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.
  The celebration of Older Americans Month provides us with the 
opportunity to highlight the importance of the Older Americans Act. As 
a vigorous and consistent supporter of measures to benefit older 
Americans, I am pleased that Congress and President Clinton 
reauthorized this important legislation last year. I commend my 
colleague from Maryland, Senator Barbara Mikulski, for her tireless 
efforts in pressing for enactment of The Older Americans Act Amendments 
of 2000. This legislation funds a dynamic network of community and 
home-based services so critical to many of our Nation's seniors, 
including home care, ombudsman services for residents in long-term care 
facilities, and subsidized employment for older workers.
  One of the most beneficial provisions of the Act is the creation of 
the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The Administration on 
Aging estimates that each day, as many as 5 million older Americans are 
recipients of care from more than 22 million informal caregivers. On 
average, these caregivers will limit their professional opportunities 
and lose an average of $550,000 in total wage wealth as they care for 
their loved ones. Women are 50 percent more likely to be informal 
caregivers, and as a result, they are more likely to risk their health, 
earnings and retirement security. As programs such as Medicare and 
Medicaid continue to feel the pressures of the current Federal budget 
process, the noble and compassionate work of these dedicated 
individuals is particularly critical. The National Family Caregiver 
Support Program addresses the challenges faced by informal caregivers. 
It authorizes funding for distribution of information to caregivers 
regarding available services, caregiver training, and respite services 
to provide families temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities.
  I have always believed strongly that this wise population contributes 
greatly to American society. Our Nation's older generations are an 
ever-growing resource that deserves our attention, our gratitude, and 
our heart-felt respect. As observance of Older American 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 continue to thrive with 
dignity.




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