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File #: 190422    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 5/16/2019 In control: Committee on Commerce & Economic Development
On agenda: Final action: 5/16/2019
Title: Declaring May 2019 as "Older Americans Month" and recognizing the contributions of older Americans in the City of Philadelphia.
Sponsors: Councilmember Taubenberger, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Johnson
Attachments: 1. SignatureCopy19042200

Title

Declaring May 2019 as “Older Americans Month” and recognizing the contributions of older Americans in the City of Philadelphia.

Body

WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was originally designated by President John F. Kennedy in May of 1963 as Senior Citizens Month. President Kennedy wanted to acknowledge the extensive contributions and sacrifices of older Americans, past and future; and

 

WHEREAS, President Jimmy Carter officially changed the name of the month to “Older Americans Month” in 1980; and

 

WHEREAS, Older Americans (65+) enrich their neighborhoods and contribute to their communities every day, sharing valuable knowledge and experience with younger family and community members; and

 

WHEREAS, According to data from U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey Report of 2016, there is an estimated population of 49.2 million Americans over the age of 65.  The United States will have an estimated 98.2 million residents over the age of 65 by 2060; and

 

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a population of more than 200,000 over the age of 65; and

 

WHEREAS, This data helps to emphasize the contributions of Americans as they age, but also to raise awareness of elderly abuse and neglect around the country. According to the National Council of Aging, 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elderly abuse; and

 

WHEREAS, Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) designates a theme for Older Americans Month. For 2019, the theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute”, encouraging older adults to “connect” with friends and family, “create” by engaging in activities to promote healthy learning, and to “contribute” time, talent and life experiences to the younger people around them; now, therefore, be it

 

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Declares the Month of May as “Older Americans Month” and recognizes the contributions made by older Americans in the City of Philadelphia.

 

 

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