[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9436 of April 29, 2016

Older Americans Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Through a lifetime of contribution, older Americans have helped ensure
that the founding promise of our country remains within reach for their
children and grandchildren, and their individual narratives reflect the
extraordinary history of our Nation. This month, we celebrate our
Nation's older citizens, and we show our appreciation for all they have
done to enrich our communities and drive America forward.
Older Americans have unique knowledge and a breadth of insights that are
tremendous assets to our country--and our seniors are eager to impart
the wisdom learned from their experiences. Across our country, older
Americans work and volunteer in their communities, challenging younger
Americans' ambitions for what they can hope to achieve in their golden
years. We must maximize the contributions of our seniors and ensure they
have the resources and support they need to thrive and to keep shaping
the future of the country they love.
The population of the United States is transforming rapidly. Within the
next 13 years, more than one in five Americans will be of retirement
age, and our Nation must make it a priority to ensure they are able to
retire and live with dignity and respect. I remain committed to
strengthening Medicare and Social Security--hallmark programs that
enabled an entire generation of older Americans to live with stability
and security. Aging affects us all, and I am dedicated to empowering
more of today's seniors and future seniors. In 2014, I launched myRA, a
new type of savings bond that allows more of our people to save for
retirement. And earlier this year, I was proud to sign a reauthorization
of the Older Americans Act--providing critical support for the services
seniors depend on to maintain their health and independence.
Our country has an obligation to make sure older Americans can enjoy the
opportunities that come with aging, and my Administration is committed
to supporting our seniors. Last summer, we held the White House
Conference on Aging, where we announced our plans to modernize Federal
rules affecting older Americans, improve access to workplace-based
retirement plans, and better utilize technology to enrich the lives of
older Americans. We launched www.Aging.gov--a resource for government-
wide information for older adults to lead independent and fulfilling
lives. And we have proposed updating quality

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and safety requirements for thousands of nursing homes, making it easier
for homebound individuals to get nutritional assistance, and training
more prosecutors to combat elder abuse.
One of the best measures of a country is how it treats its older
citizens. During Older Americans Month, let us pay tribute to the men
and women who raised, guided, and inspired us, and let us honor their
enduring contributions to our society by safeguarding their rights and
the opportunities they deserve.
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 2016 as Older
Americans Month. I call upon Americans of all ages to celebrate the
contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the
year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA