Q: What is Older Americans Month?
A: Older Americans Month began in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy declared May as Senior Citizens Month after meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the wording to Older Americans Month. Every President since Kennedy has formally proclaimed May as the month to pay tribute to older Americans in communities around the country. This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities. Today’s seniors are breaking out of stereotypes and re-defining their role in society by staying in the workforce, staying active physically and staying high profile as leaders in business, politics, community life, academia, and other endeavors. It’s important that older Americans share their values and life experiences so their insight and knowledge isn’t lost to subsequent generations. In turn, our nation needs to value the well-being of older Americans.
Q: How is the Federal government addressing the challenges of a growing senior population?
A: Americans are living a lot longer than they did when President Kennedy first proclaimed May to be Senior Citizens Month. In 1963, only 17 million people reached the age of 65 years. Now 44 million people are over age 60. That strength in numbers, along with a well-organized lobbying effort, gives seniors a strong voice in
Washington . I actively support older Americans, using my position in the United States Senate to help improve their quality of life. Congress approved annual spending legislation in December that includes nearly $1.4 billion for the Administration on Aging. That money provides supportive services and centers for preventive health, family caregivers, nutrition, and other programs. I often hear positive feedback from seniors who rely on these efforts, especially the balanced and nutritious meal programs. Another burden many seniors face is paying for nursing-home and other long-term care. As the top Republican on the Senate’s tax writing Finance Committee, I’ve introduced legislation that would allow employers, for the first time, to offer qualified long-term care insurance to employees which allows employees to pay for qualified long-term care insurance premiums on a tax-free basis. This would make it easier for employees to purchase long-term care insurance, which many find unaffordable.