SR0080 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0080 LRB096 10387 GRL 20557 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois population 50 years of age and older is projected to increase from 3.2 million in 2000 to 5.3 million by 2030 - an increase of 63 percent; a Baby Boomer turns 50 every 7.5 seconds; people turning 50 today have half of their adult lives ahead of them; and

WHEREAS, The labor force in the United States today includes 25.5 million workers 55 years of age and older; by 2016, the number of workers 55 and older is projected to grow to 37.4 million; the population aged 55 and over will account for virtually all the growth in the U.S. labor market by 2016; and

WHEREAS, Today, there are an estimated 250,000 older learners in community colleges and universities in Illinois; due to the dramatic increase in young retirees resulting from the aging Baby Boomers, the Illinois Board of Higher Education projects a 40 percent increase in the number of students between the ages of 50 and 64 and a 29 percent increase in students 65 years of age and older by the year 2030; and

WHEREAS, Today, more than 66,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through 144 national service projects across Illinois; the value of their time and talents exceeds $26 million used to support Illinois communities; and

WHEREAS, Today, 18,052 older adults in Illinois volunteer their time and talents through Senior Corps, including 1,045 Foster Grandparents with 9 projects serving one-on-one as tutors and mentors to more than 5,300 young people, 498 Senior Companions with 7 projects helping 980 homebound seniors and other adults maintain their independence in their own homes, and 16,509 older adults enrolled in 23 Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs providing services through more than 2,300 community organizations in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Retirement, and especially early retirement, no longer implies total withdrawal from work, but rather an opportunity to pursue meaningful roles along a continuum of paid and unpaid work, which promote physical and mental health, provide personal fulfillment, strengthen our economy, and enrich the quality of life in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The maturing of Illinois compels the State and local communities to prepare for the aging of the population by assessing and mobilizing the talents and skills of citizens 50 years of age and older in developing livable communities for all ages; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that all citizens are encouraged to be cognizant of the wisdom, experience, and talents of persons 50 years of age and older; to celebrate their lifetime achievements and continued contributions to the economic vitality and cultural heritage of Illinois; and to establish public and private partnerships that will promote opportunities for civic engagement for persons 50 years of age and older in the areas of lifelong learning, employment, and volunteer community service, in order to make Illinois a great place to grow old.