1Designating the month of May 2013 as "Older Americans Month" in
2Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, A growing number of citizens 55 years of age and
4older make their home in this Commonwealth; and

5WHEREAS, Older adults throughout this Commonwealth and this
6nation are an increasing population with evolving needs; and

7WHEREAS, Older Americans are valuable members of our society
8who enhance our communities and personal lives; and

9WHEREAS, The increasing number of baby boomers reaching
10traditional retirement age highlights the need for increased
11support of older adults; and

12WHEREAS, Older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be

1among the most active and involved older adult populations in
2this nation's history; and

3WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of this Commonwealth and
4all states and communities to work collaboratively to address
5older adults' unique health and long-term care challenges; and

6WHEREAS, It is crucial that systems of care are improved to
7help empower older Americans and give them more control over
8their own lives; and

9WHEREAS, Older citizens' overall quality of life can be
10improved by helping them:

11(1) make behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can
12reduce the risk of disease, disability and injury;

13(2) obtain the tools they need to make informed
14decisions about, and gain better access to, existing health
15and long-term care options in their communities; and

16(3) have more options to avoid placement in nursing
17homes and remain at home as long as possible;

18therefore be it

19RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate May
202013 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it
21further

22RESOLVED, That all citizens of this Commonwealth be
23encouraged to take time this May to honor older adults and the
24professionals, family members and citizens who care for them.