Nora Super, Executive Director

Preparations for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging are in full gear.  Older adults are an essential part of the fabric of American life, and the Conference offers an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of older Americans to our economy, families, and community.  Throughout the next year, we will engage in a national dialogue with Americans of all ages to celebrate and support  the health and well-being of older Americans.  This will culminate in a memorable Conference in the year that we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, and the 80^th anniversary of Social Security.

Today, I’m delighted to announce the launch of the Conference Web site which will be one of many ways we will work to engage with Americans about these important issues.

Since I was named Executive Director,  I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many key stakeholders and advocates in the aging community and participate in listening sessions with older Americans, caregivers, advocates, service providers and others.  I’ve traveled to Arizona to spend some time with Meals on Wheels Association of America members and state tribal leaders.  In San Diego, California, I listened and learned as AARP members shared their views on policy, opportunities, and challenges.  In mid-September,  HHS’s Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee and I had the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field of aging from across the country at the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities annual Home and Community-based Services Conference in Virginia. Towards the end of September, I traveled to Sacramento to hear from California leaders in aging.  I also participated in the Scan Foundation’s 4^th Annual Long-Term Supports and Services Summit, which focused on new models of care being implemented to serve older adults and people with disabilities.

I am truly inspired by the creativity, commitment, and passion that you all bring to how we approach aging now and in the future.   I look forward to hearing from more of you in the months ahead.

Most importantly, I hope this Web site provides an opportunity for you to get involved in planning for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging.  Please sign up today to receive weekly updates on Conference activities.  We would also like to hear your thoughts and stories about the issues and programs most important to you.  We will continue to share new opportunities for you to engage directly with the 2015 White House Conference on Aging through social media, regional forums, and webinars. 

Thank you for your interest in commenting on this blog. At this time, we are no longer accepting comments. If you are still interested in sharing your thoughts, please e-mail them to info@whaging.gov.