Representative Troy's HB 173 to Designate May as Older Ohioans Month Passes Ohio House Unanimously
COLUMBUS– State Representative Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) was pleased to see his legislation, House Bill (HB) 173, designating May as Older Ohioans Month unanimously pass the Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday.
“Thank you to my colleagues for the favorable passage of my legislation. I brought this legislation forward to encourage and recognize the countless contributions that older adults make in our state. Seniors have provided a lifetime of work, service, and countless contributions to our state and communities. As a society, we have a responsibility that our older citizens age with respect, dignity, and financial security,” said Representative Troy.
The first proclamation recognizing Older Americans was issued by President John F. Kennedy 60 years ago. President Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens met to address the growing concerns of America’s 17-million individuals ages 65 and older. To honor and raise awareness for the problems affecting senior citizens, JFK and the Council proclaimed May as “Senior Citizens Month” in 1963, but it became known as “Older Americans Month” in 1965.
“At that time, a third of seniors lived in poverty, and almost half were without health insurance. Since that first proclamation, legislators and leaders passed Medicare, strengthened Social Security, and important medical advancements have been made to improve the lives of seniors. But as we know, there is more work to do,” said Representative Troy.
Representative Troy also sits on the Ohio Elder Abuse Commission. During his last term, he introduced legislation that increased penalties for failure to report elder abuse, and it passed thanks to his colleagues in the 134th General Assembly.
According to a University of Miami study, one in five Ohioans will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030. Almost every Ohio county is expected to see an increase in the share of population over the age of 65. Baby boomers make up the largest generation of older adults in US history.