In 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May to be "Senior Citizens Month" in the United States. Two years later, the Congress passed the first "older Americans Act," which included the establishment of the Federal Administration on Aging.

In 1970, the name of Senior Citizens Month was officially changed to "Older Americans Month." Then around 1980 the event began to focus around one special week in May. This year it is May 12-18, 2002.

This year's theme is "Share the Spirit, A Celebration of Aging". It is a time to embrace the wonder of this new phase of our lives.

Seniors are a large force of people in this country. Statistically, there are over 34 million Americans age 65 or older. Back in 1963, when Older Americans Month first began, there were only 17 million Americans in that age group. It is projected that by 2030 there will be a minimum of 70 million older Americans - more than double the current number!

The progressive growth of seniors is due to the influence of the Baby-Boom generation (persons born between 1946 and 1964.) This group now represents nearly one-third of the U.S. population and will have a dramatic influence in the years ahead. Scientific and medical advances are also a big part of the increase in number of seniors.

In the past 100 years, we have seen a more dramatic extension of longevity than humankind has witnessed in more than 4,000 years. Seniors are outnumbering children for the first time in our history.

This is a time for seniors to celebrate their history and their future. If you are a senior - stand up and be counted.

If you live with or tend to a senior, take a moment to thank them for the tremendous contributions they made to this country and to the advancements we are all participating in today. Our lives are better for the efforts today's seniors made yesterday - and are still making today!