HARRISBURG, APRIL 23, 2007 - The state Senate today passed a resolution introduced by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione recognizing May as “Older Americans: Making Choices for a Healthier Future Month” in Pennsylvania.

     The designation is intended to spark discussion about the way we care for older Americans and how we can do better.

     “The opportunities and challenges that lie ahead require us to think differently about health care and long-term care and work together to re-examine our current systems so we may adequately plan for and address the needs of current and future generations,” Tartaglione said.

     May has been set aside for more than four decades to honor seniors.  This year, organizers are hoping to use the recognition to discuss ways to ensure careful treatment of the 78 million baby boomers who are about to enter their retirement years.

     “Senior citizens are entitled to lives of dignity and independence through streamlined access to information and community services, information about cost-effective prevention practices and activities that will improve health and quality of life and innovative, affordable options of care and support that will provide an array of choices about how and where to live,” Tartaglione said.