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Proclaiming and celebrating May as "Older Americans Month" to recognize the diversity and contributions that older Philadelphians have made and to increase awareness of long-term strategies for safe, healthy living for older citizens in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, May has been nationally designated as Older Americans Month since President John F. Kennedy first recognized it in 1963; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living is focusing on injury prevention for older Americans with the 2014 theme of "Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow;" and
WHEREAS, Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injuries which result in at least 6 million medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year; and
WHEREAS, Earlier this week, President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation stating, urging older Americans to take control of their safety, by talking to their health care provider about the best physical activities for them and to make sure their homes have ample lighting, and that handrails are installed wherever they are helpful - particularly near stairs and in bathrooms; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, the population of older Americans is growing. There will be 353,000 Philadelphians over the age of 55 by 2015 and the number of city residents between the ages of 65-74 will increase by 17% between 2015 and 2025. The 75 to 84-year-old group will grow by 14%; and
WHEREAS, The older adults in the City of Philadelphia have made countless contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations; and the City of Philadelphia is committed to helping elderly citizens live longer, healthier lives; and
WHEREAS, Our community can give back to older adults by helping them take control of their safety and wellbeing; and by recognizing the value of injury prevention and safety awareness in helping older adults remain healthy and active; now, therefore, be it...
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