WHEREAS, Older adults reflect the beauty, strength, and struggle of the people in our state; and

WHEREAS, The California Senior Legislature has worked with older adults since 1981 to prioritize legislation on topics such as social services, long-term health, and housing and development; and

WHEREAS, It is important to acknowledge the critical contributions older adults have made in our communities to foster inclusivity, diversity, and cultural competency; and

WHEREAS, Elder justice assures the right and equitable treatment of older adults in all aspects of life; and

WHEREAS, Older adults are the fastest growing population in California, where thousands of Californians turn 65 years of age each day and the number of Californians older than 60 years of age is due to increase from 7,600,000 individuals to 10,800,000 individuals by the year 2050; and

WHEREAS, People of color will make up over one-half of California’s senior population by the year 2035, with the Latinx and Asian-Pacific Islander community making up the fastest growing racial and ethnic older adult population; and

WHEREAS, Women make up the majority of California’s older population; and

WHEREAS, The State of California is prioritizing its older adults with a proposed master plan on aging that aims to create streamlined access to care, a properly trained and competent workforce, and a commitment to ensuring older adults may age in their own home with dignity; now, therefore, be it