What is the first thing that comes to mind upon hearing the phrase 'senior citizen?' The stereotypical link to this label less frequently matches the 21st century older American. Today’s over-65 crowd differs from their predecessors at the turn of the last century. Yet we often hear or use phrases like 'senior citizen' or the 'graying of America' to describe aging in America.
About one in eight Americans today is 65 and older. Older citizens serve pivotal roles in the U.S. workforce, academia, government, business and civic leadership. Without question, they form the foundation of American families. With a lifetime of wisdom and experience under their belt, today’s older population fulfills unrivaled leadership roles in American society.
With life expectancy rates climbing, aging Americans can anticipate living for decades beyond the so-called 'retirement age.' So if you’re 60-plus and beyond, you most likely have come to expect to live an active, productive and healthy lifestyle. The extra golden years afford 21st century retirees more opportunities and greater choices for work and leisure but also put more pressure on their long-term financial and health care needs. Longevity also compels society to address new challenges prompted by evolving housing, living and transportation arrangements necessary to extend independent lifestyles. It also puts pressure on the delivery of health care and how to pay for expensive prescription drugs and long-term care.
For nearly four decades, the president of the United States has designated the month of May to pay tribute to older citizens. This year’s theme, 'America: A Community for All Ages' reflects the understanding that a community is built on the strength of its citizenry and all citizens, regardless of age, are essential to the success and safety of their communities. Thanks to their service, hard work and personal sacrifices, older Americans have enriched society and continue to make significant contributions to their community, workplace and home life.
As the senior Senator for Iowa, I work hard to advocate the interests of older Iowans and their family members. Working on what I call 'quality of life' issues, from pocketbook to healthcare security, I use my key assignment on the Senate Finance Committee to help improve nursing home care, modernize Medicare and update the federal health care insurance program with a drug benefit, strengthen Social Security, encourage private savings, simplify and protect workers’ pensions, and lessen the tax burden for workers and retirees.
During debate on the renewal of the Older Americans Act in 2000, I won passage of an initiative to address the needs of family caregivers and their loved ones. A rapidly growing number of working Americans is responding to the needs of aging parents or chronically ill spouses. It can place tremendous pressure on their careers and bank accounts. Whether coordinating primary care services or personally providing around-the-clock care, the task can be overwhelming.
Administered by the federal Administration on Aging, the National Family Caregiver Support Program serves as a resource for millions of family caregivers. The program offers information about available services and how to access them; individual counseling; organization of support groups and training to assist caregivers in decision-making and problem-solving related to their roles; and supplemental relief services to complement their care.
Now in its second year, Iowa is putting its caregiving grant money to good use. In February, Iowa’s caregivers’ network received $1.5 million to assist Iowa families who are taking care of an elderly parent, friend, relative or spouse. Funding also will support adult day care programs. Caregivers provide an invaluable service to their loved ones by making it possible for them to stay in the comfort and security of their homes for as long as possible. It also eases the financial burden on taxpayers and reduces the strain on the long-term care delivery system. For more information on available resources and other useful links, Iowa caregivers can visit a comprehensive website at www.iowafamilycaregiver.org. Or call 1-866-4-NURTURE (1-866-468-7887).
While thousands of Iowa family caregivers already go above and beyond the call of duty every day of the year, I encourage Iowans of all ages to observe Older Americans Month by taking the opportunity to recognize the many contributions made by this greatest generation. Extend courtesies and offer assistance where needed. While they may differ in many ways from their predecessors, older Americans share a common heritage with their parents and grandparents. They’ve worked for a lifetime to build a better America by keeping their families, neighborhoods and communities strong. They’ve earned a place of honor in society and deserve to live their lives with dignity, independence and respect. Do your part to strengthen families and build better communities by making a daily commitment to lend a helping hand to an aging friend, relative or neighbor in need.