[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5641]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before 
you today to recognize the contributions of past and current older 
persons to our country, in particular, those who defended our country. 
Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during 
or before the month of May, asking the entire nation to pay tribute in 
some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month 
is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and 
other such activities. Centers such as the Salvation Army Golden Age 
Center in Buffalo, New York are dedicated to serving those who have 
given so much.
  When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million 
living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of 
older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet 
their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was 
growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and 
members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating 
May as ``Senior Citizens Month,'' the prelude to ``Older Americans 
Month.''
  Older Americans Month includes a community of older Americans who 
deserve recognition for their contributions to our nation and 
recognizes that older adults are trailblazers--advocating for 
themselves, their peers, and their communities--paving the way for 
future generations. This act is committed to raising awareness about 
issues facing older Americans and helping all individuals to thrive in 
communities of their choice for as long as possible. We appreciate the 
value of inclusion and support in helping older adults successfully 
contribute to and benefit from their communities.
  I wholeheartedly believe that our community can provide opportunities 
to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by, promoting and 
engaging in activity, wellness, and social involvement; emphasizing 
home and community-based services that support independent living and 
ensuring community members can benefit from the contributions and 
experience of older adults.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor and 
recognize Older Americans Month. I urge every resident to take time 
this month to acknowledge older adults and the people who serve them as 
powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute to our community, 
such as those at the Salvation Army Golden Age Center.

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