* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Welch
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
National Senior Citizens Day - August 21, 2010
FOR the purpose of celebrating National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, urging all of Baltimore City to express appreciation each and every day for the selfless contributions our seniors have made to their families, to our communities, and to the economic and social well being of our city and state, and encouraging our seniors to remain active in our communities to the mutual benefit of all.
body Recitals
In 1988, the President, at the request of Congress, proclaimed August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day stating: "Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land."
"For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older - places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity."
In Maryland, the number of seniors is increasing. Of the 5.3 million people in Maryland in 2000, 15% were over the age of 60. The percentage is expected to increase to 25% of Maryland's projected population of 6.7 million by the year 2030. The number of individuals over the age of 85 continues to grow rapidly. This cohort will grow in number, statewide, from 66,902 in 2000 to 164,695 by the year 2030.
Baltimore seniors are fortunate to have access to the services currently delivered by the Baltimore Commission on Aging and Retirement Education (CARE), soon to be transferred to the Health Department. These include advocacy for older Baltimoreans by developing, coordinating, and funding programs, services and activities for seniors and establishing a pre-retirement education program. Senior advocates have historically envisioned Baltimore as the most elderly-friendly city in America, where older adults will have the opportunity to age with choice, independence, and dignity as they move along the aging continuum.
Despite serious threat of budgetary cuts, the Council took action to ensure that our Baltimore seniors can continue to rely on the services provided by the Senior Division of Recreation and Parks since the 1960's. The special events sponsored by the Division draw crowds in the hundreds and sometimes the thousands, from all 14 senior centers, 56 Eating Together nutrition sites, 94 golden age clubs, numerous senior apartment buildings, and faith based senior organizations throughout Baltimore City.
According to Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being, by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, senior citizens in America are enjoying longer lives, better health and better economic security than any previous generation, despite the high cost of health care. Another study, from the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences finds that keeping the mind and body active appears to slow many of the signs and consequences for senior citizens and that volunteer work seems to produce the best results.
The many educational and recreational needs of Baltimore's youth, and the human service needs of Baltimore's disadvantaged provide a myriad of opportunities for our seniors to remain active in the community. And, consistent with the Proclamation's exhortation to "demonstrate our gratitude and esteem" Baltimore City strives to remain "senior friendly" offering many services through the collaboration of the Commission on Aging, the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Health Department, local medical centers, and other aging network partners to provide quality leisure time and cultural opportunities to seniors.
The recreational services available to seniors combined with the opportunities for continued service make certain that Baltimore City seniors are able to thoroughly, healthfully, and productively enjoy their "golden years."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, This Body hereby celebrates National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, urges all of Baltimore City to express appreciation each and every day for the selfless contributions our seniors have made to their families, to our communities, and to the economic and social well being of our city and state, and encourages our seniors to remain active in our communities to the mutual benefit of all.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Executive Director of the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, the Director of the Senior Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Commissioner of Health, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
dlr 10-2119~intro/04Aug10
ccres/SrCitiznsday/nf
dlr 10-2119~intro/04Aug10
??2??
ccres/SrCitiznsday/nf