Older Americans Month, 2015

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]

[Presidential Documents]

[Pages 25893-25894]

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[FR Doc No: 2015-10897]

Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 2015 /

Presidential Documents

[[Page 25893]]

Proclamation 9268 of April 30, 2015

Older Americans Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In America, every person who is willing to work hard

and play by the rules should be able to build a life of

opportunity and prosperity. We learned this simple

truth from our oldest generation--the women and men who

relentlessly pursued progress throughout the 20th

century. Drivers of enormous change, they have enriched

our Nation and bravely defended the values we cherish;

they have broken down barriers and blazed pathways for

all who followed; and they have raised us all and

endowed us with a freer, fairer, more equal world.

After a lifetime of contributions, they have earned our

care and respect, and they deserve to live out their

years with dignity and independence. Our Nation is

strongest when older Americans live comfortably in

their golden years and have the opportunity to continue

to contribute to the fabric of the country and society

they helped to shape. This month, we celebrate the

accomplishments and sacrifices of our elders, and we

reaffirm our belief that the promise of our Nation

extends to Americans of all ages.

their golden years and have the opportunity to continue

to contribute to the fabric of the country and society

they helped to shape. This month, we celebrate the

accomplishments and sacrifices of our elders, and we

reaffirm our belief that the promise of our Nation

extends to Americans of all ages.

The United States is entering a new era, and the face

of our Nation is growing older and more diverse. For

the next 15 years, thousands of Americans will reach

retirement age every day, and by 2030, there will be

more than twice as many older Americans as there were

at the beginning of this century. This growing

population is a tremendous national asset. By changing

the way we think and talk about aging--by focusing on

the opportunities of aging rather than the

limitations--we can work to maximize the potential of

this generation and ensure they continue to thrive as

they age.

To address the changing landscape of aging and advance

policies that help older Americans pursue their fullest

measure of happiness, this summer my Administration

will host the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. By

connecting older Americans, their families, caregivers,

advocates, community leaders, and experts, the

Conference is an important chance to continue our

efforts to safeguard retirement security, promote

healthy aging, provide long-term services and support,

and protect older Americans from abuse, neglect, and

financial exploitation.

milies, caregivers,

advocates, community leaders, and experts, the

Conference is an important chance to continue our

efforts to safeguard retirement security, promote

healthy aging, provide long-term services and support,

and protect older Americans from abuse, neglect, and

financial exploitation.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare,

Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the

80th anniversary of Social Security. For decades, these

landmark achievements have stood as pillars of economic

opportunity for millions of Americans and reflected the

promise we make to our seniors. As President, I have

worked tirelessly to strengthen these programs.

Throughout the last half-century, the Older Americans

Act has empowered older Americans by upholding their

rights and supporting social and nutrition services, as

well as a nationwide network of employment, training,

and research programs. These vital services help

millions of seniors across our Nation. I am also proud

of the progress we have made during my Administration

to improve Medicare, which provides essential health

care and security for older Americans. And I am

committed to further strengthening Medicare by

bolstering access to care for beneficiaries,

encouraging better outcomes, and improving long-term

sustainability.

[[Page 25894]]

ng my Administration

to improve Medicare, which provides essential health

care and security for older Americans. And I am

committed to further strengthening Medicare by

bolstering access to care for beneficiaries,

encouraging better outcomes, and improving long-term

sustainability.

[[Page 25894]]

Social Security is one of the most important and

successful programs ever established in the United

States, and we must make certain it is solvent and

viable for the American people, now and in the future.

I am fighting to ensure any reforms will protect

retirement security for the most vulnerable, including

low-income seniors, and maintain the robust disability

and survivors' benefits that help families after they

have paid into the system. To build on this legacy, I

started the myRA program, a new type of savings account

that provides additional pathways for Americans to

build their nest egg, and I have called for new rules

to require financial advisors to put their clients'

interests before their own--ensuring all who

responsibly prepare for retirement receive the best

advice possible.

Our elders forged a bright future for all our Nation's

children, and they deserve the best America has to

offer. As heirs to their proud legacy, we must reach

for the world they have made possible. During Older

Americans Month, we lift up all those whose life's work

has made ours a little easier, and we recommit to

showing them the fullest care, support, and respect of

a grateful Nation.

merica has to

offer. As heirs to their proud legacy, we must reach

for the world they have made possible. During Older

Americans Month, we lift up all those whose life's work

has made ours a little easier, and we recommit to

showing them the fullest care, support, and respect of

a grateful Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, by virtue of the authority

vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the

United States, do hereby proclaim May 2015 as Older

Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages

to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans

during this month and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two

thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United

States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-10897

Filed 5-4-15; 11:15 am]

Billing code 3295-F5