[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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 be

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ginning 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.
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.

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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.
BARACK OBAMA