Governor Proclaims Older Americans Month 2023

WHEREAS, National Employ Older Workers Week recognizes that seniors continue to find value through work and bring assets to the workplace such as personal responsibility, resiliency, and dedication to the workplace, and they play an integral role as mentors to younger employees and aid in workforce retention; and

WHEREAS, seniors represent a growing percentage of the state’s population, and it is projected that older adults will be working long after what is considered the traditional retirement age, either by desire or out of necessity, and therefore play a fundamental role in our nation’s economy; and

WHEREAS, as of 2021, 17 percent of individuals age 65+ were actively employed and engaged in the workforce; and

WHEREAS, a greater number of older workers are continuing to work due to factors such as increased life expectancy, better health, a growing number of available jobs, a sense of fulfillment, and the desire to stay active, and in doing so contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, laws such as the Older Americans Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protect older workers from age bias and discrimination, help assure their fair treatment in the workplace, and promote opportunities for employment; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, is proud to be an active grantee of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (Title V of the Older Americans Act) and is committed to providing job training opportunities for low-income older adults and strengthening services for older North Carolinians;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 24 – 30, 2023, as “NATIONAL EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.