| R 305 |
| 2026 -- H 8518 Enacted 05/05/2026 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fogarty, Shallcross Smith, Cortvriend, Hull, Ajello, and Fellela |
| Date Introduced: May 05, 2026 |
| WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was first established in May 1963 as “Senior |
| Citizens Month” after a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the |
| National Council of Senior Citizens. Early proclamations encouraged the recognition of older |
| Americans’ contributions to society and their needs. Later presidential proclamations continued |
| the observance, and in 1980 the name was changed to Older Americans Month to broaden the |
| celebration of older adults nationwide; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island's own Congressman John E. Fogarty held a pivotal role in |
| establishing the Older Americans Act (OAA). His contribution to older Americans remains a |
| keystone piece of Legislation thereby providing comprehensive services for older adults |
| throughout the United States; and |
| WHEREAS, In 1963, only about 17 million Americans were age 65 or older, and roughly |
| one-third of them lived in poverty; and |
| WHEREAS, Today, there are more than 61 million Americans ages 65 or older, |
| representing approximately 18 percent of the total U.S. population, and this number is projected |
| to continue increasing so that older Americans will make up about 82 million or 23 percent of the |
| population by 2050. In 2024, more than 17 million Americans ages 65 or older were |
| economically insecure, living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL); 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. The observance is celebrated across the nation with public ceremonies, fairs, |
| activities, and other events that honor the achievements and service of older adults; 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 charities, and are a key component of the national economy; and |
| WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations are |
| fundamental to American life. It is important that society offer older Americans the services, |
| resources, and support they need to live as independently as possible, make choices that are best |
| for them and their families, and pursue personal fulfillment 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 2026 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 the Rhode Island |
| Office of Healthy Aging. |
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| LC006031 |
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