Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 86 (May 5, 2015)
Page Range
25893-25894
FR Document
2015-10897
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25893-25894]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[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.
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.
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]]
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.
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