Res. No. 95
Title
Resolution recognizing the month of May 2002 as Older Americans Month, and encouraging all New Yorkers to observe this occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Body
By Council Members Diaz, Nelson, Avella, Boyland, Comrie, Davis, Fidler, Katz, Koppell, McMahon, Martinez, Monserrate, Quinn, Recchia, Reyna, Rivera, Sanders, Sears, Serrano, Brewer and Golden; also Council Member Seabrook
Whereas, Older citizens are one of New York City's greatest resources, enriching our communities, religious institutions, and families with service, devotion, and wisdom; and
Whereas, According to a United States Administration on Aging report, "A Profile of Older Americans: 2001," one in eight Americans is over the age of 65, constituting 12.4% of our nation's population and 13.1% of our state's population; and
Whereas, "A Profile of Older Americans: 2001" also indicates that the number of Americans ages 65 and older grew from 3.1 million to 35.0 million during the Twentieth Century and is projected to reach 70 million by the year 2030; and
Whereas, "A Profile of Older Americans: 2001" reports that minorities comprise 16.4% of Older Americans, a percentage which is expected to grow to 25.4% by the year 2030; and
Whereas, Older Americans continue to participate in democracy on all levels, educating themselves on relevant issues, lending a powerful voice to civic debate, and voting with greater consistency than any other age group; and
Whereas, Older Americans have earned the title of our "greatest generation" for selflessly and patriotically serving in all branches of our Armed Forces and defending America's liberty at great personal loss; and
Whereas, Older Americans tirelessly built and sustained our most influential businesses and economic institutions and, according to the Administration on Aging's "Fact for Features from the Census Bureau," nearly 20% of men and 10% of women over 65 still contribute to our economy by remaining in the civilian work force; and
Whereas, The "Fact for Features from the Census Bureau" also indicates that as of 1997, over one million Older Americans live with their grandchildren and lovingly nurture and guide the next generation; and
Whereas, "A Profile of Older Americans: 2001" reports that roughly 3.4 million Older Americans live in poverty, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimate that 10 million Medicare beneficiaries have no prescription drug coverage, and the popular press regularly chronicles how countless Older Americans are being forced to go without senior centers, nutrition programs, and other vital services; and
Whereas, The President of the United States established Older Americans Month in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country; and
Whereas, The Administration on Aging has declared that the theme for Older Americans' Month 2002 shall be "America: A Community of All Ages", and has encouraged all citizens to pay tribute to the American family as the strength of our nation; and
Whereas, We as a community must never forget the leadership and dedication Older Americans have shown to our city, state, and nation and must recommit ourselves to honoring and protecting our Older Americans and celebrating their myriad accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the month of May 2002 as Older Americans' Month, and encourages all New Yorkers to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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LS # 193
03/05/02
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