LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2016, as Older Americans Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The more than three million residents of New York State 60
years of age and older bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the
increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Older Americans Month
in the State of New York, in recognition of the contributions older
Americans have made, and continue to make, on behalf of their communi-
ties, State, and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is an annual event dating back to 1963,
when President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month;
it was later renamed Older Americans Month, to honor and celebrate the
merits and achievements of our Nation's seniors; and
WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was established more than 50 years
ago, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays,
and approximately a third lived in poverty with few programs to meet
their needs; today, that number has doubled and older Americans now
comprise 13 percent of the Nation's population; and
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is a celebration of our past, our pres-
ent and our future; recognizing and celebrating the diversity and vital-
ity of today's older Americans, the theme for Older Americans Month 2016
is Blaze a Trail; and
WHEREAS, As 77 million baby boomers approach retirement age, they are
helping to redefine aging in America; and
WHEREAS, As the face of our State and Nation changes, so too does our
senior population; in New York State, older adults will soon outnumber
children; as more Americans reach their later years, changing demograph-
ics touch all generations and remind us that older citizens need the
assistance of their communities, including understanding and support
from their family and friends; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Older Americans Month serves as a reminder
of the challenges and rewards the future holds and that we must work to
ensure that older New Yorkers are able to continue to enjoy their
longevity and that they are able to do so with dignity; and
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is an opportunity to celebrate the
changing face of aging and to pay tribute to our senior citizens to whom
a debt of gratitude is owed for all they have done and for all they do,
sharing their wisdom and experience, strengthening and enriching our
State, our Nation and our world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Older
Americans Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.