R 265
2025 -- H 6302
Enacted 05/06/2025

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

     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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LC002492
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