PROCLAMATION OF MAY 2014 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

RESOLUTION NO. ____ - 14

PROCLAMATION OF MAY 2014 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

            WHEREAS, when President John F. Kennedy formally proclaimed May 1963 as “Senior Citizens Month,” only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65^th birthdays.  Approximately 33% of all older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, the older adults of Sauk County and throughout the nation are a growing population with evolving needs.  The number of baby boomers reaching traditional retirement age continues to increase, a fact that spotlights the need for increased attention to the needs of older adults; and

            WHEREAS, the older adults of Sauk County play an important role within their communities by continuing to contribute experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments; and

            WHEREAS, the Administration on Aging has established the 2014 Older Americans Month theme to be, “Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow”; and

WHEREAS, Sauk County recognizes the value of injury prevention and safety awareness in helping older adults remain healthy and active; and

WHEREAS, communities throughout Sauk County can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of older individuals by:

• Emphasizing the need to take action to safeguard themselves from unintentional injuries where they live, work and socialize
• Providing information on avoiding leading causes of injury for older adults – falls, motor vehicle-related incidents, suffocation, medication overdose, and fire/burns
• Helping older adults take control of their safety and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, the Aging & Disability Resource Center will host activities throughout May 2014 that promote the safety of Sauk County older adults.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, met in regular session, do hereby proclaim May 2014 to be Older Americans Month and urges everyone to take time to honor our older adults and those people who serve and support them as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to our communities.

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

Respectfully submitted,

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER COMMITTEE:

__________________________________                __________________________________

Arthur Carlson, Chair                                                 Tommy Lee Bychinski

__________________________________                __________________________________

Ruth Dawson                                                               Carol Held

__________________________________          

Thomas Kriegl

Fiscal Note:  No Levy Fiscal Impact                     MIS Note:  No Information System Impact