Last week, the President proclaimed May 2016 as Older Americans Month. Celebrating the achievements, unique knowledge, and contributions of older Americans, the proclamation shows appreciation for the many kinds of work that older adults do for our country.

Through the proclamation, President Obama reaffirms his commitment to protecting critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. The proclamation states,“…we must maximize the contributions of our seniors and ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive and to keep shaping the future of the country they love.” The President also outlines steps his administration has taken to support older adults. These include hosting last year’s White House Conference on Aging, signing the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, developing the website www.aging.gov, and creating  myRA retirement accounts.

The proclamation also recognizes the rapid transformation of the American population, noting that in the next 13 years, one in five Americans will be old enough to retire. . As the aging population grows, the protections and opportunities outlined in the proclamation will be even more important.

The President states, “One of the best measures of a country is how it treats its older citizens. During Older Americans Month, let us pay tribute to the men and women who raised, guided, and inspired us, and let us honor their enduring contributions to our society by safeguarding their rights and the opportunities they deserve.”

Visit WhiteHouse.gov to read the proclamation.

For more information about Older Americans Month activities and initiatives, visit the Administration for Community Living.