Designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.
By establishing May as 'Older Americans Month', SJR111 encourages the state and its residents to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of older individuals. In New Jersey, the demographic of older citizens is growing, with the percentage of those aged 65 and over increasing in the workforce from 18.1% in 2020 to 37% in 2022. This resolution not only pays homage to their past contributions but also emphasizes the need for ongoing support for their futures, particularly in terms of healthcare and employment opportunities.
SJR111 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in New Jersey that designates May of each year as 'Older Americans Month'. The resolution highlights the significant contributions made by older Americans to the state's community, culture, and economy. It recognizes their important roles in various areas such as volunteer work, civic engagement, and workforce participation. The resolution serves to create awareness around the challenges faced by older citizens and aims to ensure they live active, healthy, and dignified lives.
There may be varying perspectives regarding the effectiveness and implications of SJR111. While the designation itself is largely symbolic, advocates believe it can foster greater understanding and respect for the older population, countering underlying issues such as age discrimination in the workplace, which has been reported by nearly 80% of older workers in surveys. However, some may argue that without substantial legislation targeting systemic issues affecting older Americans, the resolution falls short of creating meaningful change.