Column for the Week of May 13, 2007 Celebrating Older Americans Month

Statement

Column for the Week of May 13, 2007 Celebrating Older Americans Month

Boswell Briefing

For the 44th year, we pause in May to celebrate Older Americans Month. This theme will be featured in planned events across America, and highlighted by a national proclamation issued by the President of the United States. However, when it comes to important issues older Americans face, this government owes its citizens more than symbolic actions.

The truth is that one of the biggest challenges we face is how to care for our loved ones as they age. This issue is more than a personal or family dilemma. With rising life expectancies, and the first of 78 million baby-boomers turning 65 in 2011, America's demographic shift impacts our national, state, and community landscapes.

Because of these dramatic changes, there is a vigorous discussion regarding how we can best continue to care for older Americans. I encourage this discussion. The healthiest solutions come when we talk with each other, and when the American people throw their support behind innovative ideas cultivated on all political sides.

We have a great history of creating solutions to properly ensure the health of older Americans. Social Security has become one of most successful government programs in American history. Similarly, Medicare has provided necessary care to countless Americans who otherwise would have gone overlooked. In fact, when Older Americans month was established in 1963, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. One third of older Americans lived in poverty, and those without personal wealth had little avenues for help. Medicare and Social Security have played a great part in eradicating those conditions for many seniors.

It is because of this great tradition, and because of our commitment to older Americans, that I support Medicare, and will always vote to support it. Since the "Greatest Generation" we have kept our civic promise to provide care to older Americans. It is a value that runs deep, and is held by both Democrats and Republicans.

I am confident we can meet the challenges we face while caring for those in need. The theme for this year's Older Americans Month is "Older Americans: Making Choices for a Healthier Future" and is a perfect theme. If we think differently about health and long term care, we can honor our commitment through:

Streamlining access to information on home and community services so folks can plan for long term care.

Information about cost-effective prevention practices and activities that improve health, quality of life, and reduce risk.

Innovative and flexible options for care that allow greater choice about how and where to live.

Please join me in celebrating Older Americans Month, and in honoring the men and women whose hard work, faith, and civic dedication have strengthened our great country. Our commitment to them must match their commitment to generations past. We can do this by strengthening great programs like Medicare, and providing more choices to older Americans so they can choose how best to enjoy a healthy and rewarding future.

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