Meg Attends n4a Board of Directors Meeting

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.