Honor Older Americans Month

Senate Resolution No. 1376 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Older Americans Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Older Americans Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Older Americans Month; and WHEREAS, Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation's observance of Older American's Month; this vital campaign is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities; and WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life; and WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was first recognized, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday, about a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs to meet their needs; and WHEREAS, Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing; a meeting in April of 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month," the prelude to "Older Americans Month"; and WHEREAS, Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country; and WHEREAS, Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking the entire nation to pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Older Americans Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Older Americans Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.