REQUESTING THE STATE AGENCY ON AGING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS.

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico should join the nation to recognize and honor older citizens for their continued contributions to the state and nation and call attention to the issues that affect them most; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations has designated the year 1999 as the "international year of older persons" with the theme "towards a society of all ages"; and

WHEREAS, aging is a lifelong process, and preparation for old age begins in childhood and continues throughout the life cycle; and

WHEREAS, older individuals are entitled to aspire to and attain the highest possible level of health, recognizing that with increased age some individuals will need comprehensive community and family care; and

WHEREAS, the legislature is optimistic that the coming decade will see an increase in partnerships, practical initiatives and resources devoted to aging; and

WHEREAS, the aging of the state's population represents an unparalleled but urgent policy and program challenge to public and private organizations to ensure that the needs of the aged and their human resource potential are adequately addressed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state agency on aging be requested to participate in the commemoration of the international year of the older person and to participate in the statewide fall conference on older persons; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the state agency on aging.