LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2011 as Older Americans Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Older Americans bring a wealth of experience, financial, social
and intellectual capital, making them a valuable asset to the fabric of
community life; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011 as Older Americans Month in the
State of New York, in recognition of the contributions older New Yorkers
have made, and continue to make, on behalf of their communities; and
WHEREAS, In conjunction with Older Americans Month, the New York State
Legislature and the New York State Office for the Aging will host the
New York State Senior Citizens' Day Celebration to be held in the Blue
Room in the Capitol; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event will recognize two seniors nominated
from each county who are considered "Outstanding Older New Yorkers"; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of the 2011 Senior of the Year Award is Ardie
Bennett of Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Diane Adele Pomeroy from Spring Valley, New York, is the
recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen
Award; and
WHEREAS, These two remarkable senior citizens were selected by the New
York State Legislature for their individual achievements and exceptional
contributions to their communities; and
WHEREAS, For nearly 50 years, the month of May has, by Presidential
Proclamation, been recognized, first as Senior Citizens Month and since
1980, as Older Americans Month, to honor and celebrate the merits and
achievements of our nation's seniors; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating the diversity and vitality of
today's Older Americans, the theme for Older Americans Month 2011 is
"Connect to the Community"; and
WHEREAS, The five million baby boomers living in New York who are
approaching retirement age, make up 35 percent of the state's popu-
lation; they are helping to redefine aging; and
WHEREAS, Older New Yorkers are remaining civically engaged in their
communities, contributing greatly to the social and economic well-being
of our State, through their volunteer service and economic contrib-
utions; and
WHEREAS, Last year over 683,000 older New Yorkers provided over 47.8
million hours of service that are valued at over $1.3 billion; and
WHEREAS, Older New Yorkers age 60 and older are a major force in the
economy - last year generating $120 billion in aggregate income - from
savings, public and private pensions and social security, that are spent
on goods and services that help them live independently and spent on
their children and grandchildren, contributing greatly to the financial
well-being of their local communities and the State; and
WHEREAS, As more New Yorkers live longer and healthier lives, the
number of older New Yorkers continues to increase at a rapid pace,
creating challenges and opportunities to assist older New Yorkers so
that they can continue living independently; and
WHEREAS, Older New Yorkers over age 60 now comprise 3.7 million of the
State's population which totals 19 million individuals, and those 85 and
over are expected to grow 51 percent, ranking the State third in the
nation in the number of older adults; and
WHEREAS, Overall the State's population is projected to be over 23
percent older people, compared to the national projection of 22 percent
in 2020; and

WHEREAS, As the face of our State and nation changes, so too does our
senior population; in New York State, older adults will soon outnumber
children; as more New Yorkers reach their later years, changing demo-
graphics touch all generations and remind us that older citizens need
the assistance of their communities, including understanding and support
from their family and friends; and
WHEREAS, As New York is rich in ethnic, racial and spiritual, cultural
and life-style diversity, over the last decade, the minority population
age 60 and over grew by 43 percent, compared to 8 percent for the non-
minority population; this segment of the aging cohort is expected to
increase between 2010 and 2020 by 51 percent, as the last of the Baby
Boomers enter the 60 and over age group; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Older Americans Month serves as a reminder
of the challenges, opportunities and rewards presented by an aging popu-
lation and that we must work to ensure that older New Yorkers are able
to continue to enjoy their longevity and that they are able to do so
with dignity; and
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is an opportunity to celebrate the
changing face of aging and to pay tribute to our senior citizens to whom
a debt of gratitude is owed for all they have done and for all they do,
sharing their wisdom and experience, strengthening and enriching our
State, our nation and our world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011 as Older Amer-
icans Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.