Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 185.

            A resolution to proclaim May 2008 as Older Americans Month.

            Whereas, Older adults in Michigan and throughout the United States are a growing population with evolving needs; and

            Whereas, Older Americans are valuable members of our society who are rich with experience and deserving of our respect; and

            Whereas, 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, Our older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and engaged older adult populations in our nation’s history; and

            Whereas, It is the responsibility of this state and all communities in the United States to work together and prepare for changing older adult populations by modernizing systems of care and providing consumers with more control over their lives; and

            Whereas, Overall quality of life can be greatly enhanced when supportive communities help their older citizens obtain:

- Evidence-based approaches to making behavioral changes that can reduce risk of disease, disability, and injury.

- The tools to make informed decisions about and gain better access to existing health and long-term care options.

- More options to avoid placement in nursing homes and remain at home as long as possible.

; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim May 2008 to be Older Americans Month. We urge everyone to take time this May to honor our older adults and the professionals, family members, and citizens who care for older adults. We urge all citizens to work collaboratively to strengthen the services Michigan provides to its older adults in ways that recognize the changing nature of their needs and that provide older adults with more opportunities to make informed choices about their lives. Our efforts can improve the lives of our older citizens and help pave the way for future generations; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the regional National Association on Area Agencies on Aging and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging as evidence of our esteem for their dedication and commitment to serving older Americans.