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REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		IONA Senior Services Award Washington, D.C.
DATE:		May 13, 1999

We must Age, but we don't have to Grow Old

Thank you Jim. And thanks to IONA Senior Services for your "Outstanding Citizen Award." I'm almost tempted to say that I'm humbled by this honor-but I remember the words of the late Golda Meir who liked to caution everyone, "Don't be so humble, you're not that great." Obviously, Meir never met my fellow honorees-Congressman Paul Rogers and Winifred Riggs Portney-whose tireless work on behalf of older Americans makes them truly great.

Being here with them tonight-and with so many other people who bring the promise of health and hope to our senior citizens-I'm reminded of a story about the famous writer, Somerset Maugham. Many years ago, Maugham was asked to address a group on his 80th birthday. When the author was introduced, he slowly rose. He thanked his hosts. He took a few sips from his glass of water. He then began by saying, "Old age has many benefits." And he suddenly stopped. Maugham looked around. He fidgeted. He sipped some more water. At last, he said slowly and dryly, "Old age has many benefits-I'm just trying to think of some."

Maugham, of course, was trying to be funny. But when he made that remark a half century ago, there was a sad ring of truth in his words. At the time, growing old too often meant inactivity. It too often meant indignity. And it too often meant isolation. But thanks, in part, to outstanding organizations like IONA Senior Services, the reality of aging in the last quarter of the 20th century has dramatically changed. Whether it's leading Washington's long-term care coalition or offering a model exercise program in partnership with the Public Health Service-IONA has helped countless older persons stay independent and involved in their community. IONA has shown senior citizens that, no matter what your age, there is always more to learn.always more to explore.and always more to discover. And IONA has taught all of us that if we stay interested and engaged, we'll still age-but we won't grow old.

That's the essence of active aging-and it recognizes that senior citizens not only want to live a long life- they want to enjoy a good life. Helping provide that "good life" will be one of our society's central challenges as we enter the 21st century-and the baby boom becomes the senior boom. It's a challenge that recognizes the potential, value and dignity of every older American. And it's a challenge that government cannot meet alone. We need the commitment, concern, and compassion of each one of you at this "Evening to Remember." And-of course-we need the on-going support of organizations like IONA.

For all of your efforts on behalf of one of our most vulnerable-and valuable-populations.for helping to prove that old age can have many benefits.and for this "Outstanding Citizen Award," thank you.

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