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In 1965, Congress enacted the Older
Americans Act, which established the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and
state agencies on aging to address the social needs of older Americans. The Act is
considered the major vehicle for promoting the delivery of social services to
the aging population and provides a majority of the funding for the five
Vermont Area Agencies on Aging to deliver a vast array of programs and services
to area Vermonters. The Act is up for re-authorization in 2019 and hopes are
that it will pass unanimously, just as it did during its last re-authorization
in 2016.
To draw awareness to the value of the Older Americans Act, the month of May is
designated National Older Americans Month. The theme this year is Connect, Create, and Contribute.
“The Older Americans Act funds programs that allow older Americans to live in
their homes as they age. The Act supports nutritional programs such as Meals on
Wheels, wellness programs, transportation, care-giver support, in-home services
for safety, chore services, information and referral services, and so much
more,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEK Council on Aging.
“All Vermonters are aging, and we need Vermonters of every age to make our
communities into the places we want to live,” said Burmeister. “Older Vermonters
contribute to our state and local governments, own businesses, and provide care
for younger family members. They provide
knowledge and experience to younger generations, shop locally, enjoy local
entertainment and recreation, and volunteer in our communities. We need to recognize the contributions that older
Vermonters make and how they make Vermont the place where we all want to live.”
This year, the Council is celebrating 40 years of service to NEK communities.
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
Appointments are Recommended
481 Summer St., Suite 101
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone (802) 748-5182
Fax (802) 473-4998
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
By Appointment Only
Derby Time Square
5452 US Route 5, Suite A
Newport, VT 05855
Phone (802) 334-2190
Fax (802) 334-3389