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The theme for Older Americans Month, "The Many Faces of Aging" is a call to recognize the dynamic racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the older population in the United States. We live in a society where one in six Americans is age 60 or older -- and growing older and more culturally and ethnically diverse every day. We celebrate, and benefit from, our diversity.

At the same time, as America grows older and more diverse, so do the challenges we confront. We must apply our best scientific, medical and technological advances on behalf of our older citizens. In addition, we must continue to support home and community based services that help our seniors maintain active, independent lifestyles.

We have asked so much of our older Americans -- and our Department owes them its best efforts. This includes not only the programs of our Administration on Aging, and our commitment to medical progress through research, but also the best possible health care -- including a modern, responsive Medicare system, and access to affordable prescription drugs.

We must also do all we can to ease the burden on family caregivers and help ensure that our older and disabled residents age with dignity in their own homes and communities, receiving care from their family and friends as long as possible.

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, let us embrace our differences, celebrate our common bonds, and recognize the wisdom of America's aging population and the strength that they bring to our Nation.

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