2025 -- H 6302

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY OF 2025, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Noret,
Tanzi, Ajello, Boylan, Shallcross Smith, and Solomon

     Date Introduced: May 06, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Older Americans Month began in 1963 as "Senior Citizens Month" after a

meeting between President John Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens. It became

Older Americans Month in 1965; and

     WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was established, 17 million Americans were

65 and older, with approximately a third living in poverty. Today, more than 62 million

Americans are aged 65 and older and constitute 18 percent of the population with a projected

increase to 23 percent by 2054. The poverty rate amongst older Americans has increased from 9

percent in 2020 to 10.9 percent in 2022; and

     WHEREAS, Older Americans Month acknowledges and celebrates the many

contributions older adults have made, and continue to make, in support of our nation, especially

our senior veterans. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the nation with public

ceremonies, fairs, activities and other events; and

     WHEREAS, Every day, older Americans contribute their wisdom, experience, time and

resources in support of their communities. They assist young families as they navigate through

the joys and travails of raising children, are key supporters and contributors to many civic

organizations and charitable entities, and are a key component of the national economy; and

     WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations are an

important fabric of American life. It is important that American society offer older Americans the

services, resources and support they need in order to live as independently as possible, make the

choices that are best for them and their families and loved ones, and to choose their own paths as

they age; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims the Month of May to be "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be

it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Maria Cimini, Director of Rhode Island Office

of Healthy Aging.

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