[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25893-25894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10897]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 25893]]


                Proclamation 9268 of April 30, 2015

                
Older Americans Month, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In America, every person who is willing to work hard 
                and play by the rules should be able to build a life of 
                opportunity and prosperity. We learned this simple 
                truth from our oldest generation--the women and men who 
                relentlessly pursued progress throughout the 20th 
                century. Drivers of enormous change, they have enriched 
                our Nation and bravely defended the values we cherish; 
                they have broken down barriers and blazed pathways for 
                all who followed; and they have raised us all and 
                endowed us with a freer, fairer, more equal world.

                After a lifetime of contributions, they have earned our 
                care and respect, and they deserve to live out their 
                years with dignity and independence. Our Nation is 
                strongest when older Americans live comfortably in 
                their golden years and have the opportunity to continue 
                to contribute to the fabric of the country and society 
                they helped to shape. This month, we celebrate the 
                accomplishments and sacrifices of our elders, and we 
                reaffirm our belief that the promise of our Nation 
                extends to Americans of all ages.

                The United States is entering a new era, and the face 
                of our Nation is growing older and more diverse. For 
                the next 15 years, thousands of Americans will reach 
                retirement age every day, and by 2030, there will be 
                more than twice as many older Americans as there were 
                at the beginning of this century. This growing 
                population is a tremendous national asset. By changing 
                the way we think and talk about aging--by focusing on 
                the opportunities of aging rather than the 
                limitations--we can work to maximize the potential of 
                this generation and ensure they continue to thrive as 
                they age.

                To address the changing landscape of aging and advance 
                policies that help older Americans pursue their fullest 
                measure of happiness, this summer my Administration 
                will host the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. By 
                connecting older Americans, their families, caregivers, 
                advocates, community leaders, and experts, the 
                Conference is an important chance to continue our 
                efforts to safeguard retirement security, promote 
                healthy aging, provide long-term services and support, 
                and protect older Americans from abuse, neglect, and 
                financial exploitation.

                This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare, 
                Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 
                80th anniversary of Social Security. For decades, these 
                landmark achievements have stood as pillars of economic 
                opportunity for millions of Americans and reflected the 
                promise we make to our seniors. As President, I have 
                worked tirelessly to strengthen these programs. 
                Throughout the last half-century, the Older Americans 
                Act has empowered older Americans by upholding their 
                rights and supporting social and nutrition services, as 
                well as a nationwide network of employment, training, 
                and research programs. These vital services help 
                millions of seniors across our Nation. I am also proud 
                of the progress we have made during my Administration 
                to improve Medicare, which provides essential health 
                care and security for older Americans. And I am 
                committed to further strengthening Medicare by 
                bolstering access to care for beneficiaries, 
                encouraging better outcomes, and improving long-term 
                sustainability.

[[Page 25894]]

                Social Security is one of the most important and 
                successful programs ever established in the United 
                States, and we must make certain it is solvent and 
                viable for the American people, now and in the future. 
                I am fighting to ensure any reforms will protect 
                retirement security for the most vulnerable, including 
                low-income seniors, and maintain the robust disability 
                and survivors' benefits that help families after they 
                have paid into the system. To build on this legacy, I 
                started the myRA program, a new type of savings account 
                that provides additional pathways for Americans to 
                build their nest egg, and I have called for new rules 
                to require financial advisors to put their clients' 
                interests before their own--ensuring all who 
                responsibly prepare for retirement receive the best 
                advice possible.

                Our elders forged a bright future for all our Nation's 
                children, and they deserve the best America has to 
                offer. As heirs to their proud legacy, we must reach 
                for the world they have made possible. During Older 
                Americans Month, we lift up all those whose life's work 
                has made ours a little easier, and we recommit to 
                showing them the fullest care, support, and respect of 
                a grateful Nation.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 2015 as Older 
                Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages 
                to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans 
                during this month and throughout the year.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-10897
Filed 5-4-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5