SEATTLE - Decision-makers from all walks of life are meeting in Seattle today to brainstorm ways the state and nation can adapt to a future in which, for the first time in history, people age 60 and older will outnumber those 15 and younger.

It's one of five regional forums leading up to the White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) in July. The topics are healthy aging, retirement security, elder justice and long-term services and supports.

Jo Ann Jenkins, the national CEO of forum sponsor AARP, is attending. She says it's critical to abandon stereotypes that just don't fit today's older adults.

"We really need to change the conversation in this country about what it means to get older," Jenkins says. "If we were to focus more on living instead of aging, we would be looking at this through an entirely different lens."

Today's forum is the third this year; others have been held so far in Florida and Arizona.

U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez says the events have been exciting to attend. He likens them to "house calls," a chance to get out of the Washington, D.C., beltway to hear what people have to say.

"We're hearing a lot about health care, we're hearing a lot about economic security, jobs. We're talking a lot about prescription drugs, and things like that," says Perez. "These are the pocketbook, kitchen-table issues that are about making sure that people can retire with dignity."

He adds not retiring also is an option, and says the Labor Department is trying to make headway to prevent age discrimination in hiring and to ensure equal pay for women.

The Older Americans Act, which typically funds the White House Conference on Aging as well as many senior centers, meal programs and other supports, has been waiting for re-authorization by Congress since 2011. But Nora Super, WHCOA executive director, says her group spends a lot of time on Capitol Hill trying to change that.

"It may not happen in the next two years, but we really think raising the awareness of these issues will put it at the forefront of the minds of all members of Congress," says Super. "We are really working hard to find creative solutions that the majority can support."

The White House Conference on Aging has taken place every 10 years since the 1960s. Over six decades, it is credited with helping to create the Medicare drug benefit, adding cost-of-living adjustments to Social Security, and ending mandatory retirement at age 65.

The Seattle forum is invitation-only, but the event will be webcast at www.hhs.gov/live-3, starting at 8:30 a.m.


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Nursing homes across South Dakota will soon receive a boost in support, as part of the most recent legislative session.

Facilities caring for Medicaid recipients are reimbursed by the state for some of the cost. Reimbursement rates have been calculated based on patient needs, occupancy and funds available in the state budget. Last year, the South Dakota Legislature increased the rate from about 75% to 100%.

House Bill 1167 now allows the Medicaid reimbursement rate to be adjusted annually, to keep up with inflation and other changes.

Erik Nelson, advocacy director for AARP South Dakota, is glad lawmakers are giving nursing homes attention.

"We have seen a number of nursing homes close in recent years," Nelson pointed out. "Financial considerations were a factor in that, along with workforce and some other issues."

Since 2019, 15 nursing homes have closed across the state, with six of the remaining 98 on a federal list of facilities not meeting basic standards of care. In addition to a lack of funding, the average staff turnover rate is 54%.

State lawmakers also approved the use of $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward expanding telehealth services in facilities including nursing homes, allowing patients to receive some health care services remotely.

Nelson noted telehealth is one way to supply needed support.

"For not only the residents, but the family caregivers that are supporting their loved ones in the nursing homes," Nelson emphasized. "And of course, the staff of the nursing home that's in the community."

Census data show South Dakota's population is aging and by 2030, one-fifth of residents will be older than 65.

Meals on Wheels programs could be a powerful tool for addressing the needs of people living with dementia, according to a study from Ohio State University researchers.

The community-based program delivers weekly meals to food-insecure seniors.

Lisa Juckett, assistant professor of occupational therapy at Ohio State University, conducted interviews with caregivers, people living with dementia, and the staff of LifeCare Alliance, the largest Meals on Wheels provider in the state. She said the findings revealed delivery drivers are often a critical source of social interaction and an "extra set of eyes" on homebound individuals.

"That Meals on Wheels driver is then able to perform very brief but important wellness checks and safety checks," Juckett explained. "To make sure that meal is actually being delivered, the door is being answered."

According to Meals on Wheels America, last year more than 90,000 Ohio seniors received over eight million home-delivered meals through the program. More than 80% of people with dementia in the U.S. live at home, and an estimated 60% are unable to eat or prepare food on their own.

States rely on a combination of federal funding, private donations and fundraising agencies to keep local Meals on Wheels programs operating. Juckett added the findings come on the heels of Congress deciding to cut funding for the Older Americans Act, which allocates money to Meals on Wheels programs nationwide.

"Meals on Wheels programs are always on the chopping block, when it comes to federal budgets being adjusted every year," Juckett pointed out. "We need more advocacy efforts to validate or justify the importance of these programs."

According to the group Alzheimer's disease International, more than 55 million people around the world live with dementia, a number expected to double over the next two decades.

Advocates for people age 65 and older urged Colorado lawmakers to fully fund a program helping people remain in their homes and avoid placement in assisted living facilities.

Jayla Sanchez-Warren, director of the Area Agency on Aging for the Denver Regional Council of Governments, said home-based services cost under $2,000 dollars per year, on average, compared to $74,000 for nursing homes. Since most people cannot afford the nursing home charges, state and federal taxpayers have to pick up the bill after their savings are gone.

"It saves money for individuals, it saves money for the state, and it keeps people where they want to be; living in their own homes," Sanchez-Warren emphasized. "Someone who needs help with preparing meals and maybe showering should not have to go to a nursing home."

Sanchez-Warren noted adequately funding home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home assistance and similar services would cost the state $20 million. The number of people age 65 and older is projected to rise from 928,000 to 1.3 million by 2035, according to Colorado State Demography office data, outnumbering people 18 and under over the next three decades.

Federal support for community based services has dropped, and state-based funding is stuck at 2019 levels.

Sara Schueneman, state director of AARP Colorado, said demand has risen dramatically. Nearly eight in 10 Coloradans say they want to age in place in their communities.

"There is a growing population of older adults in the state of Colorado, and there is growing demand," Schueneman pointed out. "We are trying to support more people with less money because there is so much need."

Advocates urged lawmakers to increase funding by at least $5 million in the state's annual budget, and increase the amount year over year to ensure people can access services.

Sanchez-Warren added right now, their largest transportation provider has a 700 person waiting list. If someone needs to get to a doctor's appointment or a dialysis treatment, they have to wait at least two months for a ride.

"You can't get a home delivered meal right now," Sanchez-Warren stressed. "It used to be where you would come out of the hospital, and maybe your doctor said you should get home-delivered meals. And within a couple of days we could get you into a program and there would be a meal at your door. Not anymore, it's on a waiting list."