May Is Older American's Month
Date:
May 1, 2002 For Release
Today we begin our nation's
celebration of Older Americans Month.
In doing so, we renew our commitment to the millions 
of
older Americans who have shaped our country's history and continue
to contribute to its growing prosperity.
The theme for Older Americans Month
2002, "America: A Community For All Ages," was
suggested by a citizen who asked that we recognize the extraordinary
roles that older citizens play within our families and our
communities. The theme
acknowledges the important position that elders hold - as leaders,
mentors and teachers. It
is in our own neighborhoods, communities, towns and cities where the
true wisdom and strength of our nation lies.
The theme also complements
President Bush's call to service that is aimed at holding families,
communities and our nation together through volunteerism. America's
growing numbers of older citizens are ready, willing and able to use
their vast experience and talent to help others, and in many
communities across America they are already leading the way.
We must continue to pledge our
support for older Americans by improving their health and well-being
-- through accessible and quality health care and affordable
prescription drug coverage, and through support for community-based
programs such as those provided by the Administration on Aging.
We must channel our energies behind
efforts that are underway in the research community to prevent and
reduce the illnesses, disabilities and diseases that impact our
aging population. And,
it is imperative that we continue to work together to eliminate the
costly, preventable health disparities that dramatically affect our
aging minority populations. We must also continue to do all we can
to make sure that our family caregivers have access to the services
and information they need to care for their loved ones in their
homes and communities for as long as possible.
Let us also continue to find ways
to empower senior citizens to take charge of their own health and
help others to do the same. Aging
is not -- and should never be -- an obstacle to good health and
physical fitness. It is
never too late to start eating right and exercising.
As we celebrate Older Americans
Month, please join me in saluting our parents, grandparents, other
relatives, neighbors and friends who make up this remarkable and
diverse population. The
month of May provides us a special opportunity to show our gratitude
and appreciation to older Americans, but our commitment to them must
be evident each and every day of the year.
