Older Americans Month

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, this month is an opportunity to celebrate some critical programs. The Older Americans Act celebrated its 50th anniversary this past Tuesday. Medicare and Medicaid turn 50 later this month. And Social Security turns 80 in August.

But it is also a time to reframe how we look at aging in this country. With Americans living longer and healthier lives, we need to create a new paradigm that ensures older Americans are living longer with the highest quality of life for the longest time possible.

Doing this means we help our aging population feel part of the community, provide opportunities for them to stay physically and socially active, and maintain a serious purpose of life and a zest for life.

I came to Congress to protect Medicare and Social Security. They are bedrock programs that seniors depend on for a safe, healthy, and secure retirement.

As we celebrate the anniversaries this year, we need to improve and strengthen these programs to better meet the needs of our seniors. We can start by expanding Medicare to cover things like hearing aids.

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