HCR 261

R-319  Page 1 of 1
2026
No. R-319. House concurrent resolution recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans
Month and designating May 6, 2026, as Age Strong Vermont Day.
                                        (H.C.R.261)
   Offered by Representative Noyes of Wolcott
   Whereas, the life experience, knowledge, and contributions of older Vermonters are
invaluable societal assets, making Vermont a state with considerable historical
knowledge and professional experience, and
    Whereas, May is celebrated nationally every year as Older Americans Month, a time
to recognize older adults’ invaluable contributions, to highlight aging trends, and to
reaffirm Vermont’s commitment to serving older adults, and
   Whereas, according to the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey, as of 2024,
22.8 percent of Vermont’s population is 65 years of age or older, and
   Whereas, this demographic reality presents opportunities to capitalize on the diverse
experiences, expertise, and skills of older Vermonters, and
   Whereas, since the enactment of the Older Vermonters Act (2020 Acts and Resolves
No. 156), State government, the nonprofit sector, and the private sector have partnered to
establish Age Strong VT, Vermont’s first multisector plan on aging, which was released
in January 2024, and
   Whereas, Age Strong VT focuses on the State’s changing age demographics through
an examination of affordable aging; healthy aging for all; social connection;
infrastructure for the future, including housing, transportation, and community design;
elder justice; family caregiver support; and strengthening overall systems of support, and
   Whereas, the Departments of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living and of
Health are jointly overseeing an Age Strong VT implementation process that is now in its
third year and that involves other State offices, local communities, and other
organizations, including the General Assembly, and
   Whereas, the designation of a specific day during Older Americans Month to celebrate
the Age Strong VT initiative will serve to emphasize the project’s societal importance,
now therefore be it
   Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
   That the General Assembly recognizes May 2026 as Older Americans Month and
designates May 6, 2026, as Age Strong Vermont Day, and be it further
   Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, and to the
Commissioner of Health.
                                                                            VT LEG #389156 v.1