WHEREAS, the State of Idaho is home to more than 218,500 citizens 60 years of age or older; and

        WHEREAS, older persons are diverse, respected and vital citizens who continue to contribute to our state’s social and economic well-being; and

        WHEREAS, a growing number of Baby Boomers are rapidly becoming older citizens, and the number of individuals providing care to family members and friends is expanding significantly; and

        WHEREAS, the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead require us to think differently about health management/behavior, work, physical activities, long-term care, financial planning and retirement options; and to rebalance and modernize our current systems so that we may adequately plan for and address the needs of current and future generations; and

        WHEREAS, older persons are encouraged to live lives of dignity and independence through streamlined access to information about resources and community services, cost-effective prevention practices and activities that will improve health and quality of life, innovative and affordable options of care, education for improvement in mental and financial well being and minor assistance that will provide a continued opportunity to live independently in their chosen communities;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2007 to be

O L D E R   A M E R I C A N S   M O N T H
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at Boise, Idaho, on this 24^th day of April in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.       

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE