This is the year for the decennial White House Conference on Aging. However, the Older Americans Act, which traditionally has outlined the Conference process, has not been reauthorized and the President’s budget has not been approved. As a result, there are very little structure and no additional funds for the 2015 Conference.
Ms. Nora Super is the Executive Director of the Conference. Her background includes more than twenty years experience in aging policy and community outreach. The four themes that have emerged from community input, so far, are Retirement Security, Healthy Aging, Long-Term Services and Supports, and Elder Justice. There is a blog for the Conference at http://www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/blog/ A number of regional forums are also scheduled. The closest one to SE Michigan is the conference in Cleveland, OH on April 27th.
The Administration is using social and electronic media as much as possible to receive grass roots input and conduct informational meetings. Everyone can participate by going to the web site and signing up to receive notices of events, such as webinars, and opportunities to participate. You can also provide your thoughts and/or a story about your experience with aging or aging services, such as Medicare, Social Security, or in-home services, by submitting them through the following link: http://www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/submissions/register.aspx
Here’s the contact information if you have specific questions:
White House Conference on Aging
200 Independence Avenue SW, Suite 637D
Hubert H. Humphrey Building
Washington, DC 20201
(202) 619-3636
info@whaging.gov
www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov
Aging touches everyone. I encourage you to participate in this opportunity for civic engagement at a time when our society includes the greatest proportion of older adults in history.
Sue Sweeney, Chair, Department of Aging Studies, Madonna University
Aging Is Serious Business 