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The NEK Council on Aging’s Executive
Director, Meg Burmeister traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)Board of Directors meeting held
March 11-12. The n4a represents America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies
on Aging. The n4a Board of Directors has 38 members and Burmeister has served as
an alternate board member since 2018.
In addition to the board meeting and aging policy briefings, the board
addressed the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) due in
2019. This landmark legislation, enacted
in 1965, helps millions of aging Americans meet the goal of aging with health,
independence, and dignity in their homes and communities. Since its enactment,
the OAA has been amended 16 times, most recently in 2016.
“Because the OAA is up for reauthorization in 2019, Congress should consider
thoughtful changes and investments in the Act to better reflect the rapidly
growing aging population,” said Burmeister. “Vermont should be a state where
people can live, work, and contribute their whole lives. The OAA provides the
funding for key services such as wellness programs, caregiver support, case
management, our helpline, legal services, Meals on Wheels, and community dining.”
The vision and mission of the OAA is even more important than it was five
decades ago. In the next five years, more than 18 million people will turn
65. In addition, this population is also
living longer. Between 2020 and 2030,
the number of people 85 and older is projected to rise by 35 percent; for
people age 100 and older, it’s an amazing 52 percent growth rate.
While in Washington, Burmeister had the opportunity to meet with
representatives from all three members of Vermont’s Congressional delegation, Senator
Patrick Leahy, Representative Peter Welch, and Senator Bernie Sanders.
“We are so fortunate to have the support of our state representatives on this
very important piece of legislation. In
today’s world of challenges facing older Vermonters, the OAA is critical in
ensuring that people can live with dignity and respect in our local
communities. The OAA lets grass-roots
efforts meet the needs of their communities in a person-centered way,” said
Burmeister. “Most Vermonters want to be
able to stay in their homes as they age, and we see the best results when we
take the time to listen to people and respect their needs and desires. When we address the needs of older Vermonters,
we improve the lives of all Vermonters.”
The primary focus of the n4a is to advance policies that effectively and
efficiently address the needs of an aging America. To accomplish this goal, the n4a works
directly with the Vermont Area Agencies on Aging (vermont4a.org) and the five
Area Agencies on Aging for Vermont-- the NEK Council on Aging serves older and
disabled Vermonters in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties.
For more information on programs and services for elders and the disabled in
the Northeast Kingdom, visit www.NEKCouncil.org. To receive policy alerts on the
reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, visit the National Council on Aging www.ncoa.org.
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
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481 Summer St., Suite 101
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone (802) 748-5182
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5452 US Route 5, Suite A
Newport, VT 05855
Phone (802) 334-2190
Fax (802) 334-3389