May is also Older Americans Month

The man?amko, government officials, Office on Aging staff, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs organizations and supporters have their picture taken after the proclamation of May as Older Americans Month. (Jayson Camacho)

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Office on Aging will be celebrating Older Americans Month/Mes Man’amko this month after a proclamation signing yesterday morning at the Man’Amko Center in China Town.
The proclamation aims to enrich the lives of senior citizens by emphasizing the need to take action to safeguard them from unintentional injuries where they live, work, and socialize.

The proclamation also calls for the need to educate the elderly on how to avoid the leading causes of injury for older adults and helping them take control of their safety and wellbeing.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos said he supports the proclamation because he regards himself as one of the older citizens of the CNMI.

“I’m more than qualified and its amazing that most of the folks here are 85 years old and this has a lot to do with their wellbeing; they got other peers to interact with,” Inos said.

There are about 4,766 citizens ages 60 and older in the CNMI.

Inos said that everyone should be committed to helping individuals live longer and healthier lives.

Saipan Senior Citizen Advisory Council president Maria Salinas said the man’amko have made countless contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations.

“We will continue to display our talents and share it [with] the younger generation,” Salinas said.

Inos urged every citizen to take time this month to recognize older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to the community.

“It’s always good to spend some time [with the man’amko] and I would like to be down here to spend some time with them and they have formed a cohesive group and they really care,” he said.

Aging Office director Walter Manglona said it has been over 50 years since the U.S. government designated the month of May to honor and acknowledge the many contributions of older Americans in our communities and families.

“It is time to appreciate and celebrate their vitality and aspirations and the influence they have on each and every one of us,” Manglona said.

Saipan Mayor Donald Flores, who was also at the proclamation signing, said he is honored to be there.

“The man’amko have been our mentors throughout our lives and we’re happy that they are here and they are strong and it shows that the program is actually taking care of the man’amko,” Flores said.

The occasion was witnessed by Aging Office staff, legislative officials, Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Arnold Palacios, Aging Center congregates, and various departments under DCCA.