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WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
1995
mm
LIDDI
<<<<<<
<<<<<<<04 EFFECTER
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOP
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
501 School St., SW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20024
Summary
Final Agenda
Notice Published in the Federal Register on 2/2/95
The Policy Committee of the White House Conference on Aging has developed the final agenda for
the May 1995 Conference. To formulate this final agenda, the Policy Committee used public
comments received on the proposed agenda published October 12, 1994, in the Federal Register and
recommendations emanating from several hundred pre-conference events held around the country.
The notice to be published in the Federal Register contains four sections:
Part I is an overview of the 915 comments received on the four proposed themes and 19 issues in
the proposed agenda. The issue on which the most comments were received was health, followed
by income security and housing/social and community services.
Part II specifies the theme for the Conference: "America Now and into the 21st Century:
Generations Aging Together with Independence, Opportunity and Dignity."
Part III specifies the issues and subissues for which resolutions are to be developed as well as the
structure of the Conference program. The four issues are:
Assuring Comprehensive Health Care Including Long-term Care
Promoting Economic Security
Maximizing Housing and Support Service Options
Maximizing Options for a Quality Life
There are from four to seven subissues under each issue. Permeating the discussion of these issues
and subissues will be the cross-cutting concerns of interdependence of generations/families, lifespan
planning and special populations.
The Conference will begin Tuesday, May 2 with a speak out for delegates and on Wednesday
morning the Conference will formally open. On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning and
afternoon, each delegate will have the opportunity to participate in developing resolutions for three
of the four issues/subissues. Friday will conclude the Conference with delegates voting on
resolutions to result from the Conference.
Part IV describes the process to be used to develop and pass resolutions at the Conference. There
are two avenues by which resolutions will be acted on by the full White House Conference on
Aging. The first is through issue resolution development sessions covering the four major issues of
the Conference. Delegates at these sessions will work with a series of proposed resolutions drawn
from a variety of sources, including pre-conference recommendations. The other avenue is that any
delegate who can enlist support from 10% of the total delegates can introduce a resolution to the full
Conference during the closing session. The Policy Committee placed a limit of 40 on the number of
resolutions emanating from the issue resolution development sessions without any limit on
resolutions from individual delegates.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
10-Apr-1995 01:55pm
MARILYN
Mobily
TO:
(See Below)
(.LORI)
FROM:
Jeremy D. Benami
Domestic Policy Council
BARBARA
SUBJECT: Aging Meeting
JAREMA
Final confirmation!
Barbara
Meeting is at 1:00 Tuesday room 211
I have assembled the following agenda items. Please e mail me
with additions. My only suggestion is that we steer away from the
big picture questions we can't answer at our pay grade and focus
on what we can address - such as the items listed below!
(1. Program for Opening Plenary
C
-
who besides POTUS is/should be invited to speak
L
Schecleling has suggested we set POTUS time @ 10 An for
2. Media Strategy
- what media opportunities have been planned
- what requests have been made
what opportunities exist to plug delegates for regional
media
- general brainstorming focussing in particular on
speciality/aging press
MIUE3 3. Satellite sites
- status report on planning, funding, etc.
- how should we reach out to mayors, govs
- what level admin representation should we aim for?
Pre-Conference rollout
- First Lady event
- Report on other events planned?
- Should we look to a Cabinet pre-rollout?
Discussion re groups BRIEFING GROUPS
- what sort of outreach to and coordination with the groups
Steve
pre-conference should we be doing?
I ve set the meeting for an hour and a half because I think these
are all topics that require some detailed discussion. I hope most
of you can come for the whole time and will understand if I try to
6. NEXT STSPS ON POLICY
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR:
VOL. NO. 5
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2-5, 1995
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995
WASHINGTON, D.C. HILTON HOTEL
Celebrating Productive Aging
PROPOSED AGENDA NOTICE GENERATES GRASSROOTS RESPONSE
Following the WHCoA Policy
October 5. 1994, the WHCoA
Committee's approval of a proposed
received a total of 915 responses
agenda for the Conference on
to the notice announcing the pro-
posed themes and issues, which
ISSUES RECEIVING MOST
appeared in the Federal Register
on October 12.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The comments. which arrived
1. Health/Long-Term Care
by mail, fax. and the internet, repre-
2. Income Security and Other
sented approximately 275 organ-
Benefits
izations, including such groups as
3. Housing/Social and
the Alzheimer's Association, the
Community Services
American Dental Association,
4. Crime and Personal Safety
the American Foundation for the
5. Interdependence of Generations
Blind, the Foster Grandparent Pro-
gram, the National Senior Citizens
6. Quality of Life/Meaning in
Law Center, the American Institute
Later Years
of Wine and Food. and the Ameri-
7. Special Constituencies
can Library Association.
8. Productive Older People
The Federal Register notice
9. Employment
contained four proposed themes,
10. Older Americans Act
and the public was invited either
11. Transportation
to choose one from the list of four
or to recommend a new theme
Official White House Photo.
12. Rights/Responsibilities/
Advocacy
altogether. A total of 463 com-
Arts and Humanities
ments concerning the proposed
themes arrived at WHCoA head-
President Clinton greets a senior White House volunteer.
13. Image of Older People
quarters. America Now and into
14. Research/Education/Training
the 2 1st Century: Growing Older
Together for " Better Community's
The issues generating most of
15. Cultural Diversity
with Independence, Opportunity.
second choice. A significant number
the comments were Health. Income
16. Family and Family Life
and Dignity received the most
of responses concerning the theme
Security and Other Benefits.
17. Role of the Private Sector
support. with Aging into the 21st
suggested either hybrids of the four
Housing/Social and Community
18. Technology
Century: Generations Working
themes or possible new themes.
Services. Crime/Personal Safety,
continued on page 2
Focus Groups Spotlight Seniors' Concerns
"Don't mess with Social Security! How long will ] be able to remain inde-
Fears and concerns included health, finances, security, dependency and a
pendent? Change the way the media portrays the elderly!"
sense of worthlessness. The media was often identified as promoting a false.
These are just some of the messages that have been sent to the Administration
negative image of older people although participants indicated that their local
through the White House Conference on Aging's ongoing focus group project.
media was more balanced in its portrayals. Other focus group participants pointed
The project, conducted by the University of New Mexico Center on Aging in
to young people as also advancing a false notion of the elderly being helpless and
cooperation with the Gerontological Society of America, began its work last
burdens to society. The keys to healthy aging were identified as involvement in
February on the same day that President Clinton officially called for the White
daily and regular activities, volunteering. and a good mental outlook.
House Conference on Aging.
Participants of the focus groups made it clear that although they are exper-
iencing many challenges. they still possess tremendous wisdom, energy and
experience and wish to be treated as such. As one senior remarked. "The elderly
are smarter than you think." Another senior at the first focus group in Florida
commented that the WHCoA was first to ask him his opinions on aging in the
14 years since he retired."
Focus groups play a vital role in the White House Conference on Aging
as it strives to identify and make public both the problems and contributions of
older individuals. The WHCoA is hearing the concerns and views of seniors all
Courtesy of University of NM Center on Aging
across the Nation through this project, and through the approximately 600 pre-
conference events taking place throughout the country.
Recommendations from the White House Conference on Aging will be
the basis for national aging policy for the 21st century.
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
FIRST CLASS MAIL
ON AGING
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
501 SCHOOL STREET, SW
DHHS/NIH
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
Permit No. G-763
Helen Kerschner, of the University of New Mexico, leads focus group in Little
Rock, AR.
TO:
The focus group project, funded by the Retirement Research Foundation and
the Corporation for National Service, involves the collection of candid. qualitative
data from seniors at the grass-roots level. The most recent findings came from a
group of 192 seniors in II different locations across the country who were asked
to respond to questions about a) what it means to get older, b) the special con-
cerns of older persons, c) treatment by the media, d) the keys to healthy living,
and e) generational relationships.
WHCoA Newsletter-January/February, 1995 Page 1
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR:
VOL. NO. 6
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2-5. 1995
MARCH/APRIL 1995
WASHINGTON, D.C. HILTON HOTEL
Celebrating Productive Aging
POLICY COMMITTEE APPROVES FINAL AGENDA
Also Increases Number of Delegates and Approves Observers
Meeting for its third time on
each new Governor will have the
January 25, 1995, the WHCoA Policy
opportunity to name delegates to
Committee unanimously approved
the Conference."
the final agenda and resolution
Each state, the District of
process for the 1995 White House
Columbia and Puerto Rico will
Conference on Aging. The Policy
have three additional delegates.
Committee also increased the total
Each territory will have one addi-
number of delegates by 259 to
tional delegate. Each new Member
a total of 2259 and approved
of Congress will have one delegate.
250 observers.
With the change. the number
of state and territorial delegates
BOTH FINAL AGENDA AND
could increase to a total of 1062, up
RESOLUTION PROCESS APPROVED
from 901. The number of delegates
named by Members of Congress
In deciding on issues for the
could increase to a total of 638, up
final Conference agenda. the WHCoA
Official White House Photo
from 540. Other delegates to the
Policy Committee. chaired by Sen.
Conference will be named by con-
David Pryor D-Arkansas). considered
stituent organizations (including
both public comments and reports and
national aging organizations and
recommendations from hundreds of
veterans groups). the White House,
officially recognized WHCoA events
the Secretary of Health and Human
throughout the country. Four broad
Services, and the WHCoA.
President Clinton and the First Lady with Medal of Freedom recipient Herb Block,
issues comprise the final agenda.
age 85, who, as a nationally syndicated cartoonist, is an excellent example of
They are: (1) Assuring Compre-
productive aging in America.
250 OBSERVERS APPROVED
hensive Health Care Including
Long-Term Care. (2) Promoting
Considering suggestions from
independent of the issue resolution
The Policy Committee
Economic Security, (3) Maximiz-
also created 250 observer slots.
citizens and experts, the Policy
development sessions. Any dele-
ing Housing and Support Service
Observers will be invited to
Committee decided that the 1995
gate who can enlist the support of
Options, and (4) Maximizing
attend the Conference but will
White House Conference on Aging
10% of the total delegates may also
Options for a Quality Life. There
introduce his/her resolution to the
be unable to vote on Conference
will focus on producing a small num-
are from four to seven subissues
ber of action-oriented resolutions.
full Conference during the closing
resolutions. In addition, observers
under each main issue (see chart.
All resolutions must be voted
session. The Policy Committee has
must pay all their own expenses.
page 2).
on by the delegates in the final
placed a limit of 40 resolutions on
including a nominal registration
fee. Observers will be named in
Pryor called the agenda "respon-
plenary. There are two ways by
the total coming from the issue
March.
sive and responsible, ensuring that
which resolutions may reach that
development sessions, with no
this White House Conference on
session for consideration. The first
limit on those from individuals.
Aging will be different than any
is through issue resolution devel-
of its three predecessors." Also
opment sessions covering the four
NUMBER OF DELEGATES
commenting on the final agenda,
major agenda issues. Delegates
INCREASED
Secretary of Health and Human
at these sessions will work with a
Mark Your
Services Donna E. Shalala noted.
series of proposed resolutions drawn
The November election pro-
"This is the first time in WHCoA
from a variety of sources but giving
duced 18 new Governors and
Calendars!
history that the public has had a
great emphasis to pre-conference
brought about major changes in
direct impact on the agenda. Senior
event recommendations.
the composition of Congress. At
Conference Date
citizens, volunteers. professionals
The second method by which
its January 25 meeting the WHCoA
and advocates all contributed."
May 1995
resolutions may be considered is
Policy Committee responded to
these changes by adding 259 new
Conference Location
delegates. Senator Pryor noted,
"We offer this proposal in the spirit
Washington, D.C.
of bipartisanship to ensure that all
Hilton Hotel
new Members of Congress and
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
FIRST CLASS MAIL
ON AGING
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
501 SCHOOL STREET, SW
DHHS/NIH
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
Permit No. G-763
Senator
Exec Director
Blancato
Rep Jacobs
Cohen
Photo by Greg Versen
TO:
Senator Bill Cohen (R-ME), WHCoA Executive Director Bob Blancato. and
Senator David Pryor (D-AR) attend the January 25, 1995. meeting of the
WHCoA Policy Committee.
WHCoA Newsletter-March/April. 1995 Page 1
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. NO. 4
NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
WHCoA PROPOSED AGENDA AWAITS PUBLIC COMMENT
For the first time in the history of
to impact national aging policy over
White House Conferences on Aging.
the next ten years.
the public is being invited to help set
the agenda for the Conference
scheduled for May 2-5, 1995.
Major Issues
Following a unanimous vote
of approval by the WHCoA Policy
Arts and Humanities
Committee, a proposed agenda was
Crime/Personal Safety
printed in the Federal Register on
Cultural Diversity
October 12. 1994. with the public
Employment
invited to comment through December
Families and Family Life
1. 1994. Chairman of the White House
Health
Conference on Aging Policy Commit-
lee, Senator David Pryor "views this
planning and conducting of the 1995
Official White House Photo.
Housing/Social/
process as being critical to our efforts
Community Services
to ensure maximum citizen and
Image of Older People
organizational involvement in the
Income Security and
Other Benefits
White House Conference on Aging."
Interdependence of Generations
Of particular interest to the
Older Americans Act and Its Role
Committee are comments on the four
First Lady Hillary Clinton discusses the importance of exercise with a fit senior.
Productive Older People
proposed themes for the conference
Quality of Life/
as well as suggestions for linking the
as health and fitness, cultural diversity
action toward implementation of these
Meaning in Later Years
individual issues of the proposed
and the image of older people.
recommendations. WHCoA Executive
Research and Education/Training
agenda together at the conference.
The proposed agenda notes that
Director Robert Blancato said that the
Rights/Responsibilities/Advocacy
The proposed agenda lists a series
during the Conference. delegates
public was urged to especially provide
Role of the Private Sector
of nineteen major issue areas with
will begin the process of establish-
comment on how best the Conference
subissues for review and public
ing priorities for action among the
can link different issues together to
Special Constituencies
comment. They range from arts and
recommendations they produce. This
ensure a more comprehensive and co-
Technology
humanities to transportation. as well
will serve as the foundation for future
ordinated series of recommendations
WHCoA RECEIVES OVER 150 REPORTS FROM PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS
Participants Make Many Important Recommendations
The 1995 White House Confer-
such as the need to stress cultural
ence on Aging's (WHCoA) four part
sensitivity in addressing the needs
program of local. state, regional, and
of minority elderly groups and the
mini-White House Conferences on
necessity of eliminating language
Aging is well underway. The pro-
and literacy barriers.
gram requires each mini-conference
to submit its report within 30 days
Variety of Formats
of the event, and each local event
While the reports offer recom-
to submit its report within 45 days
mendations on a variety of issues,
of the event. The reports contain
the formats of the events themselves
summaries of issues discussed and
have also been diverse Roundtable
recommendations proposed. As the
discussions, public hearings, focus
May 1995 WHCoA approaches,
groups. and town meetings have all
the number of reports received by
been implemented as structures for
the WHCoA has steadily increased.
Photo by AI Jonez
pre-WHCoA events Because the
Reports have arrived from all areas
recommendations already made to
of the nation, stretching from Maine
the WHCoA have been produced
to Hawaii.
from many different types of events,
As of this date, over 150 reports
it is obvious that the topics which
have been received by the WHCoA.
Centanarians honored at the Colorado Governor's Conference on Aging. Back
are identified are important on a
Twenty-six states have been repre-
Row, Left to Right: Rita Barreras, Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services;
number of levels.
sented, and the reports indicate that
Mr. Robert B. Blancato, Executive Director, WHCoA; CO Governor Roy Romer.
The local level WHCoA-
of the over 12,000 total number of
Front Row, Left to Right: Ms. Bunnie Elliott. Bessie Short's daughter,
recognized conferences serve as
participants, close to 8,000 are age
Ms. Bessie Short, 108 years old; Mr Paul Flores, 105 years old.
vehicles for identifying common
55 or older.
interests and concerns at the grass-
roots level. This grassroots involve-
Common Issues
interdependence of generations.
of the elder population. Included
ment is important to the WHCoA,
The conferences have highlighted
and the significance of the con-
among these are immigrants. Hispan-
as it is imperative that the voices
a wide range of policy issues. The
tributions the elderly make to
ics, women and Native Americans.
of those who will be affected
most common among these are health
the community.
These conferences have also gener-
by the policy recommendations
care, the maintenance of independence
Other events have focused
ated important policy recommenda-
made at the 1995 WHCoA
for semors, the importance of the
specifically on certain segments
tions for the May 1995 WHCoA,
are heard.
WHCoA Newsletter-November/December. 1994 Page I
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 1
NEWSLETTER
MAY/JUNE 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
CLINTON TO CONVENE LAST WHITE HOUSE
CONFERENCE ON AGING OF 20th CENTURY
President Bill Clinton,
regarding the '95 WHCoA in
on February 17, 1994,
Washington, the Conference
formally called for a White
was conducting its first local
House Conference on Aging
forum in Tampa, Florida
(WHCoA) to be convened in
aimed at obtaining grass
May of 1995 -- the first such
roots input on what should
conference since 1981.
be included in the agenda
In a press release
for the Conference.
from the White House
On March 21, 1994,
detailing the convocation,
Secretary Donna Shalala of
the President noted, "An
the Department of Health
older America must soon
and Human Services briefed
face a new century. A 1995
the Domestic Policy Council.
White House Conference on
on the progress of the 1995
Aging allows us to plan for
White House Conference on
this challenge by working
Aging. Cabinet officers,
together to build policy
agency heads and senior
recommendations for the
White House staff in
21st century. We owe this to
attendance expressed
future generations."
interest and support for the
As the President was
Conference.
announcing his decision
President Clinton speaks with senior citizen.
Four-Part Strategy Outlined
Pre-Conference Planning and Programs Underway
The 1995 White House
This strategy has two
to broaden public aware-
others in that they are to
Conference on Aging has
purposes: first, to encourage
ness, an announcement was
focus on a specific federal
embarked upon a four-part
the widest possible partici-
also published in the March
aging policy issue or on a
strategy of programs and
pation by individuals and
14, 1994 edition of the
special constituency of older
activities to be conducted in
organizations; second, to
Federal Register.
Americans.
advance of convening the
identify common interests
Both the Federal
These four activities
formal Conference.
and concerns.
Register announcement and
will be conducted through
The four parts of the
Letters of invitation
the letter included guidelines
the early part of May 1995.
strategy involve local, state,
have been sent to thousands
for local programs and
They will be followed by the
regional and topic-specific
of potential sponsors of local
activities that could be
national conference and the
mini conferences.
conferences. Concurrently,
recognized as official 1995
writing of a report to the
WHCoA events.
President and Congress
President Names Blancato to Head 1995 WHCOA
States will soon be
containing policy recommen-
President Clinton has
Blancato served as director of
notified that the WHCoA will
dations.
appointed Robert B. Blancato as
Institutes and Public Policy for
provide limited seed money
Further, the 1995
executive director of the 1995 White
the National Italian American
House Conference on Aging.
Foundation. He was also the
for the convening of State
WHCoA also intends to
"Bob Blancato is a leading
president of the National Meals
White House Conferences
develop a post-WHCoA
expert in aging policy who has been
on Wheels Foundation.
on Aging.
program to help implement
recognized for his work on
Blancato has also served
numerous occasions," said the
as an adjunct faculty member at
In addition, formal
priority recommendations
President. "I
the New School for Social
notices will also be sent to
produced at the Conference
look forward
Research's Gerontological
to his work at
Services Administration and the
regional offices of the
aimed at developing aging
the White
Post Master Certificate Program
Department of Health and
policy over the next decade.
H o u S e
in Aging at Hunter College in
Conference
Human Services to inform
New York City.
on Aging."
In 1982, he served as a
them of limited funds being
F r o m
member of the U.S. Delegation
1977 to 1988,
available for Regional
to the World Assembly on Aging
INSIDE:
Blancato was
held in Vienna and as an alternate
Conferences on Aging.
the
staff
to the 1981 White House
In the near future, the
legacy of Conferences Past
director of the
Conference on Aging.
2
U.S. House of Representatives
Blancato, 43, holds a
WHCoA will announce
O Seniors Speak Out
Select Committee on Aging's
bachelor's degree from
criteria for mini conferences
Subcommittee on Human Services.
Georgetown University and an
Focus Groups Sample Opinion
3
He remained a senior advisor to
M.P.A. from American University
on aging. These mini
that subcommittee until its expiration
and lives with his wife and
conferences differ from the
O Calendar
4
in May 1993. Most recently,
daughter in Arlington, VA.
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 2
NEWSLETTER
JULY/AUGUST 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
President: "How will we build upon the sacrifice of D-Day's heroes?"
Tribute to Pathfinders of a Generation Past Becomes A Challenge To Light Paths For Future Generations
"Let US never forget, when they
roar of aircraft, the thunder of
were young, these men saved the
bombardment. And through the
world."
wind and the waves came the
In these words, President
soldiers, out of their landing
Clinton characterized the
craft and into the war, away
achievements of American troops
who fought so valiantly in World
from their youth and toward a
War Il His remarks came during
savage place many of them
D-Day ceremonies at the U.S.
would, sadly, never leave.
military cemetery in Colleville-sur-
"They had come to free a
Mer, France, June 6th, the fiftieth
continent-the Americans, the
anniversary of the original
British, the Canadians, the
invasion.
Poles, the French Resistance,
The President not only
credited the fallen heroes of
saving the world, but also noted
Official White House Phone
the Norwegians and others.
They had all come to stop one
Omaha and Utah Beaches with
of the greatest forces of evil the
world has ever known.
that those who survived are now
the bulwark of the nation's seniors,
"Millions of our Gls did
still contributing to our national
return home from that war to
pride Excerpts follow:
ago.
bell-the simple sounds of
build up our nation and enjoy
"Today, the beaches of
freedom barely breaking the
life's sweet pleasures, but on
We come to this hallowed
Normandy are calm. If you walk
silence. Peaceful sounds.
this field there are 9,386 who
place that speaks, more than
these shores on a summer's
Ordinary sounds.
did not - 33 pairs of brothers;
anything else, in silence. Here
day, all you might hear is the
But June 6, 1944, was the
a father and his son; [and] 11
on this quiet plateau, on this
laughter of children playing on
least ordinary day of the 20th
men from tiny Bedford, Virginia
small piece of American soil,
the sand, or the cry of sea gulls
century. On that chill dawn,
killed near these bluffs by a
we honor those who gave their
overhead, or perhaps the
these beaches echoed with the
German shell on D-Day. They
lives for US 50 crowded years
ringing of a distant church
sounds of staccato gunfire, the
(continued on page 3.)
WHCoA '95 ACTIVITIES UNDER WAY ACROSS U.S.
The 1995 White House
care; elder abuse prevention;
All 10 Federal regions are
for mini-conferences and state
Conference on Aging (WHCoA),
community-based services,
expected to hold one or more
and regional conferences in
officially called by President
including those promulgated
regional White House Conferences
these amounts:
Clinton on February 17. 1994, is
through the Older Americans Act;
on Aging over the next year. More
State Conferences
$600,000
well under way
and intergenerational programs
information on these will be
Regional Conferences
$200,000
Through the WHCoA's four
Mandated local event reports
included in the next newsletter
Mini-Conferences
$150,000
part program of local, state,
are beginning to arrive and some
regional and mini-White House
will be reported in the next issue of
Mini-conferences Being Planned
Conferences on Aging, Americans
Private Organizations
the WHCoA Newsletter.
In addition to the local. state
Participate, Too
everywhere, of all ages and from
and regional events, the 1995
all walks of life, are playing a role
Many national organizations
President's Personal Appeal To
WHCoA will conduct a series of
have demonstrated enthusiasm
in shaping a national aging policy
the States
national miniconterences specific
that will take our nation into the
and support for WHCoA through
Through a personal letter in
to certain topics or consliluencies
21st century
their participation in local, state,
April, President Clinton
There are two categories of mini-
Grass roots participation,
regional and national events.
encouraged every governor to
conferences the first receives
In addition, declarations of
extremely important in planning
participate in 1995 WHCoA
WHCoA recognition; the second
the 1995 WHCoA, is evident
public support, through formal
activities. The states are
will receive both recognition and
resolutions, have been made by
throughout the country The
responding quite positively.
funding. The deadline for
the American Medical Directors
response to this appeal is broad.
The states of New York and
organizations seeking funding for
Association, the National Council
Georgia kicked off their official
mini-conferences was June 27.
Local Event Statistics
Several mini-conferences
on Senior Housing, the National
WHCoA activities in May. By mid-
Association of Home Builders and
More than 150 local events in
June, every state had received on
approved under the first calegory
38 states and territories have been
the Gray Panthers
application for the funding of state
have been held on such topics as
recognized by the WHCoA. As of
events. Each state will hold a
Individuals and organizations
transportation, age related vision
June 10, a total of 52 local White
conference or host another kind of
are encouraged to become
loss, wellness and cultural
[continued on page 2.)
House Conference events,
event, or both, to produce policy
diversity, and technology and
representing 25 states, the District
recommendations for the WHCoA.
aging. These well attended
of Columbia and Guam, have
events have generated policy
been conducted. California has
Regional Activities Begin
INSIDE:
recommendations that will soon
held the most events, followed by
The first Regional White
be submitted to the WHCoA for
New York and Alabama,
House Conference on Aging was
O Sec'y Shalala Outlines
These events have focused
convened May 15 in Albuquerque,
consideration as part of the
Administration's Effoits for
on many different issues, but
New Mexico, under the auspices
1995 WHCoA agenda.
Older Americans
2
topics receiving greatest emphasis
of the National Hispanic Council
On-line With SeniorNet
3
have included: health care reform,
on Aging's multi-state training
Funding Available
Federal liaisons Meet
4
especially as it relates to long term
conference.
Funds have been allotted
WHCoA Newsletter page I
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 3 - SECTION ONE
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
WHCOA POLICY COMMITTEE CONVENES FIRST MEETING
1995 NATIONAL WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING DATE SET FOR MAY 1-5 IN D.C.
The 1995 White House
the complete membership of
Senate Office Building,
Policy Committee's
Conference on Aging
the Policy Committee was
Washington, D.C. On Au-
Mandate
(WHCoA) will be held May 1-
formally announced on July
gust 10, an agenda develop-
This is the first such
5, 1995, in Washington,
25, 1994. HHS Secretary
ment subcommittee was
committee to have this role
D.C. The main location will
Donna E. Shalala convened
formed to develop the pro-
within the WHCoA. The
be the Washington Hilton
the first meeting of the White
posed agenda and theme for
Policy Committee was cre-
Hotel. The date and location
House Conference on Aging
the Conference. They will
ated by the Older Americans
of the Conference, as well as
(WHCoA) Policy Committee
hold their first meeting on
Act Amendments of 1992,
an initial delegate selection
two days later in the Hart
August 30, 1994.
which authorized the White
process, were decided at the
House Conference on Aging.
first meeting of the Policy
The terms of the act dictate
Committee of the White
that the 25 members be
House Conference on Aging,
chosen jointly by the Presi-
chaired by Senator David
dent and the Congress to
Pryor (D-AR), July 27, 1994.
plan the specifics of the
WHCoA First
Conference.
This policy meeting is the
In future meetings, the
latest milestone in progress
members of the Policy Com-
toward the 1995 White
mittee will be considering the
House Conference on Aging
theme and agenda for the
since it was formally called
1995 WHCoA. (Continued on
for by President Clinton'on
page 2. See story below for
POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHOWN HERE VOTING DURING THE FIRST MEETING
February 17, 1994. Earlier,
Policy Committee's decisions.)
Delegate Selection Formula Determined
The first issues to be
will be chosen by national
Members of Congress must
and of all ages, to become
determined by the 25-mem-
aging organizations, veter-
be selected by December 31.
involved in setting the
ber Policy Committee were
ans organizations, youth
Agenda Development
agenda for the Conference
the delegate selection crite-
organizations, international
On August 10, Senator Pryor
and shaping a national aging
ria and the need for an
delegates and others. (The
sent formal invitations to
policy," Pryor said. "Ameri-
agenda development sub-
precise number for these
those committee members
cans everywhere can partici-
committee.
categories is not yet known;
who would form the agenda
pate through local, regional
Delegate Selection
this too will depend on the
subcommittee charged with
and statewide events recog-
The number of Confer-
size of the WHCoA appro-
developing the proposed
nized by the White House
ence delegates will range
priation approved by the
agenda and theme for the
Conference on Aging and
from a minimum of 1,666 to
Congress.)
Conference; the Older
through mini-conferences.
a maximum 2,000, depend-
Each state will have a
Americans Act Amendments
Recommendations from all
ing on the final FY 1995
minimum of six delegates
of 1992 require the publica-
these events are being
appropriation for the Confer-
and those states with highest
tion of the proposed agenda
studied and used by the
ence. Virtually 100 percent
percentages of persons 55
in the Federal Register by
Policy Committee in planning
of the WHCoA FY 1995
years of age and over will be
October 31, 1994.
the agenda for the 1995
appropriation will go to
allocated more delegates. A
"The 1995 White House
Conference."
support delegates. The
precise state by state del-
Conference on Aging will
President requested $3
egate breakdown will be in
make recommendations for a
NOTICE:
million for the WHCoA.
the next newsletter. Further-
national aging policy to take
The September/October Issue
No matter what the total
more, state delegations must
our country into the next
of the WHCoA Newsletter will
delegate size for WHCoA 95,
consist of 50 percent per-
century," said Senator Pryor.
be published in four separate
45 percent of all delegates
sons 55 and over, and have
"Generations of today and of
sections. This is Section One
will be chosen by the Gover-
50 percent women; in addi-
tomorrow will benefit from
The remaining sections will be
nors (between 750-900
tion, percentages of minori-
the Conference, the fourth
mailed to you over the next
few weeks.
individuals). The second
ties, and persons from rural
and last White House Con-
Section 1:
largest group of delegates
and urban settings should
ference on Aging to be held
WHCoA's Policy Committee
will be chosen by Members
be equal to their percentage
in this century.
Delegate Selection Process
of Congress, with each
of the population of their
"As an older America
later Sections Will Include:
House and Senate member
state. The Policy Committee
faces a new century, the
WHCoA Comes Alive With
selecting one for a total of
also agreed that delegates
Policy Committee invites
Upcoming Events
540. The next largest group
chosen by Governors and
citizens from all walks of life,
Grassroots Views on
WHCoA's Agenda
WHCoA Newsletter- September/October. 1994 Page I
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 3 SECTION 2
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
WHCOA '95 COMES ALIVE ACROSS U.S.
Invitation Extended To Keep The Momentum Building Through Events and Reports From Grassroots
If you thought the 1995
aging policy that will take our
ment of the WHCoA '95
considered in the agenda. In
White House Conference on
country into the 21st century.
agenda.
fact, you are encouraged to
Aging was a single event at
From now until May 1,
WHCoA's Goals In Sight
become an integral part of
a specific location at a cer-
1995, when the national
Well over half of all
the planning process, as so
tain time for an exclusive
White House Conference on
WHCoA events are focused
many organizations are
group, think again! Note for
Aging officially convenes in
on the closely related issues
doing.
example:
Washington, D.C., an aver-
of home- and community-
The only requirements for
the local White House
age of more than three
based long-term care and
recognition as a local
Conference on Aging in
scheduled events will take
health care reform. Other
WHCoA are: that the event
Alhambra, California,
place every week all across
subjects at the top of the list
focus on one or more federal
the state White House
the country! And this num-
are: independence, well-
policy issues, that it involve
Conference in Burlington,
ber is expected to continue
being and security; the inter-
senior citizens and that a
Vermont,
to increase as the goals and
dependence of the genera-
report summarizing its rec-
the regional Conference
strategy of WHCoA become
tions; income and economic
ommendations be submitted
in Springfield, Missouri,
better known.
security; issues concerned
within 45 days.
the mini-Conference in
This pre-WHCoA strategy
with minority aging; and
Since March, when
Deerfield Beach, Florida.
accomplishes two significant
housing and coordinated
WHCoA '95 issued its first
WHCoA '95 pre-conference
goals: it ensures the great-
services.
invitation to conduct events,
events have become a
est possible individual and
Pre-Conference, grass
more than 350 conferences
nationwide happening as
organizational involvement in
roots events are critical to the
have been scheduled around
they spread across the
planning, and it provides
primary purposes of the
the country.
country - engaging the
valuable perspective on
WHCoA, which are:
Next May's meeting in
participation, involvement
issues of concern and inter-
"I) To-develop, adopt and
Washington, D.C., is of
and enthusiasm of growing
est to seniors.
work to implement recom-
utmost importance, but the
numbers of citizens in all fifty
Each recognized event,
mendations to shape national
White House Conference on
states.
local, state, regional and
aging policy over the next
Aging is not a single event
How Strategy Is Working
mini-White House Confer-
decade, and
held in a single place. It is a
Since February, when
ence on Aging activity, must
2) To raise public aware-
continuing process, one that
President Clinton officially
submit a report containing
ness about issues and prob-
both precedes and follows
called for the Conference,
policy recommendations, to
lems facing seniors of today,
the conference. This process
WHCoA '95 has been con-
the '95 WHCoA. These
while working to prepare for
starts with grassroots forums
ducting and recognizing
reports, as well as WHCoA
the aging society of tomor-
and events leading up to the
events and programs from
staff participation in the
row.
Conference and continues
coast to coast. Through
events themselves, are
Senior citizens are playing
with post-Conference imple-
these activities, the Confer-
giving the WHCoA important
major roles in pre-Confer-
mentation of policy. People
ence is gaining enormous
information on key issues as
ence activities.
of all ages are involved every
insight into the views of
viewed by senior citizens.
It's Not Too Late To Join In
step of the way, particularly
senior citizens - their
WHCoA staff have been
If your locally-based
seniors themselves. It is
thoughts on what should be
privileged to participate in
organization has not con-
exciting to watch the process
on the agenda for the na-
more than 20 percent of all
ducted a local WHCoA, it is
work and to look ahead to the
tional WHCoA '95 as well as
events. This information is
not too late to apply to have
implementation of the policy
their ideas for a national
the basis for the develop-
your event recognized and
that is evolving from the hard
your recommendations
work and commitment.
DELEGATE SELECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q: What are the dates of the
planning for between 1,666 and
congressman if you wish to be a
must be 50 years of age or older
national White House Con-
2,000 total delegates.
congressional appointee, or other
50% must be women
ference on Aging?
A: How are they chosen?
groups as outlined above that
minority representation
May 1-5, 1995.
Governors will choose be-
have an interest in aging issues
and rural versus urban must
A: Where will it be held?
tween 750 and 900; members of
and have been authoritized to
refect the composition of the
Delegate meetings will be
Congress will choose one each,
send delegates to the WHCoA.
state's population based on the
held in the Washington Hilton
for a total of 540. The remaining
What criteria are established for
(continued on page 4)
Hotel in Washington, D.C.;
delegates will be chosen by
state delegates?
however, additional activities
national aging organizations,
The White House Conference
NOTICE:
are being planned to involve off
veterans organizations, youth
on Aging requires that: 1) each
site locations.
organizations, international
The September /October Issue
Governor appoint a State Delegate
Q: How many delegates will
of the WHCoA Newsletter is
delegates and others (the precise
Coordinator; and 2) the demo-
attend?
number is not known at this time).
graphic profile of the state's
being published in four sections
Under the terms of a July
Whom do I contact if I wish to
Section 2:
delegation reflect that of the aging
27, 1994, resolution adopted
be named a delegate?
WHCoA Comes Alive With
population of the state being
by the Policy Committee of the
Your governor if you wish to
represented, as follows:
Upcoming Events
WHCoA, the Conference is
be in the state delegation, your
Grassroots Views on
50% of the delegation
WHCoA Agenda
WHCoA Newsletter- September/Oc tober. 1994 Page L
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 3 SECTION 3
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
WHCoA LISTENS TO SENIORS, LEARNS IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE
From February through Au-
Christi, Texas in cooperation with
gust, WHCoA '95, in partnership
local Retired Senior Volunteer
with other organizations, has
Program (RSVP) chapters. Earlier
conducted more than a dozen
focus groups were conducted in
focus groups to gain additional
Tampa, Florida, Los Angeles,
direct input from individuals,
California, Chicago, Illinois, and
primarily seniors, as to what should
Boston, Massachusetts. More are
be on the agenda for the Confer-
planned in other cities, including
ence. Long valued as a market
San Francisco, California, and
research tool, focus groups are
Baltimore, Maryland.
small group meetings in which
Clearly emerging from the
select individuals share, in detail,
focus groups is the strong desire
their views and opinions on specific
of seniors to maintain their inde-
Helen Kirschner (top left) and staff conduct focus groups under the auspices of the Gerontological
topics.
pendence as long as they can.
Society of America and NCNCS with the help of RSVP
One set of focus groups is
Through the focus groups, seniors
the focus groups believe the
To date, focus groups have
being conducted as a joint project
are sharing their concern about
media presents a negative image
been held with the Hispanic, Asian
with the Gerontological Society of
the high cost of prescription drugs
of older Americans. Seniors also
and African American communi-
America and the National Corpora-
and about crime in their communi-
share the positive aspects of aging
ties. A written summary of these
tion for National and Community
ties. Moreover, older citizens are
by pointing out their freedom to
focus groups will be included in the
Service. Most recently, these joint
increasingly concerned about the
travel and pursue special interests
next issue of our newsletter.
focus groups have been conducted
problems of loneliness and
and hobbies, the chance to spend
Focus groups are valuable for
in Little Rock, Arkansas, Harris-
isolation.
more time with their families and
many reasons, but particularly
burg, Pennsylvania, and Corpus
Most seniors participating in
the opportunity to volunteer in their
because they are an environment
communities.
created solely for the purpose of
Another set of focus groups is
giving individuals an opportunity to
being conducted in collaboration
express their opinions and con-
with Temple University's Center
cerns so that this information can
for Intergenerational Learning.
be systematically documented and
These focus groups have been
analyzed to arrive at more relevant
held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
and meaningful solutions.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and New
Perhaps more than anything,
York City. Intergenerational input
the focus groups are an effective
from seniors and youth in ethnic
tool of the WHCoA to bring people
communities offers a unique
at the grassroots level into the
perspective on aging and society.
process of developing the national
Language barriers, intergener-
agenda for the 1995 WHCoA.
ational value differences and
Focus groups will help ensure that
Staff of Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning conducted Focus Groups
cultural traditions emerge as
people from across the country had
featuring Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans on behalf of WHCoA.
important issues to both young
a chance to be heard and partici-
and old.
pate in pre-WHCoA activities.
CALENDAR
REGIONAL EVENTS
As of 8/5/94
27 Regional Conferences
10 Regions participating
REGION I
10/94
Council of Elders,Inc. Boston, MA
Issue: Health Status of Black Elderly
Contact: Helen Pankey, (617)442-4001
10/20,21/94
MA Council for Adult Foster Care. Andover, MA
Issue: New England Adult Foster Care.
Contact: Elsie Fetterman, (413)253-7948
11/94
HHS Regional Office. Boston, MA
Issue: Nutrition, Malnutrition.
Contact: Thomas L. Hooker, (617)565-4511
11/94
North Central CT AAA/Institute for Community
Research. Hartford, CT
Issue: Hispanic Health and Social Concerns.
President Clinton and Veteran's Affairs Sec. Jessee Brown participate in the Congressional
Contact: Thomas L. Hooker, (617)565-4511
Black Caucus' Veterans Awards Ceremony held September 16, 1994
12/94
HHS Regional Office. Boston, MA
Issue: Health, Economic Security & Elder Abuse.
CORRECTIONS:
NOTICE:
Contact: Thomas L. Hooker, (617)565-4511
In Section 2 of the:Sept/C Newsletter
REGION II
there was an error. in the article on the
The September /October Issue
WHCoA Delegate Selection Process
of the WHCoA Newsletter is
3/95
HHS Regional Office. New York, NY
should have read
being published in four
Issue: Community and Home-based Long Term Care.
State delegations must reflect
sections.
Contact: Judith Rackmill, (212)264-2976
the following matrix:
REGION III
Section 3:
50% of all delegates must be
O
WHCoA Comes Alive With
10/26/94
Philadelphia Corporation on Aging. Philadelphia, PA.
55 years of age and older.
50% must be women
Regional Events
Issue: Health Reform, Long-term Care, Caregiving,
Economic Security, etc.
The percentage of urban, rural
Alzheimer's Support
Contact: Karen Mudd or Andrea Leerman, (215)765-9000
and minorities must equal that of
Groups
the state population for each
Grassroots Views on
Information regarding events may have changed since date of publication, so if you are
interested in attending, please call the organization contact person for latest information.
group.
WHCoA's Agenda
WHCoA Newsletter- September/October, 1994 Page I
THE 1995 WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
VOL. 1 NO. 3 SECTION 4
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1994
Celebrating Productive Aging
SHALALA COMMENDS CAMPAIGN
TO GET AMERICANS MOVING
In a move to improve the health and well being of millions of
"For 27 years, Nolan Ryan thrilled the world's baseball fans with
Americans, The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
his pitching wizardry and his dedication to physical conditioning,"
and the Advil Forum on Health Education have teamed up to help
said Secretary Shalala. "But while we were watching him make
motivate Americans who are over the age of 40 to participate in
magic on the baseball field, too many of us were neglecting our own
regular physical activity. Advil chose Nolan Ryan as its spokesper-
health. It's not enough to sit in the bleachers or sit in front of the TV
son to encourage a more active and healthy America.
watching our favorite teams. We've got to balance being a specta-
tor with being physically active. In short, we've all got to get mov-
ing."
"Physical activity and a balanced diet," Secretary Shalala went
on to say, "are two of the most powerful ways to prevent illness and
poor health -- particularly as we get older. Good health begins with
each and every one of us taking direct personal responsibility to get
busy and stay physically active. This exciting partnership will help
us motivate more people to become physically active. By working
together, I know we can strike out poor health and preventable
disease."
For more information about the free availability of Mr. Nolan's book for
distribution to aging organizations or having Nolan Ryan speak to your
organization, contact the Advil Forum on Health Education, 1500 Broad-
Sec'y Shalala discusses the PCPF/Advil fitness initiative with Nolan Ryan.
way, New York, New York 19936.
CALENDAR
STATE AND LOCAL EVENTS
As of 8/4/94
Information regarding events may have changed since-date of publication. so if you are
interested in attending, please call the organization contact person for latest information.
ALABAMA
Local Recognition Events
State Events
9/28/94
Colorado Senior Employment Network. Denver, CO.
6/19-22/94
Governor's Summit on Long Term Care.
Contact: Lu Horner, (303)866-5911
Contact: Claude Hooks, Jr., (205) 242-5743
CONNECTICUT
ALASKA
State Events
State Events
4/7/95
State Conference on issues TBA
9/94
4 conferences:Medicare SSI, OAA Programs.
Contact: Elissa Breiling. (203) 424-5280
others TBA
Contact: Pat Denny, (907) 465-4879
Local Recognition Events
ARIZONA
9-11/94
Southwestern CT Agency on Aging,
State Events
14 towns in SW Connecticut.
9-11/94
8 area conferences throughout state.
Contact: Diana Shoemaker, (203)853-7189
12/16/94
Contact: Richard Littler, (602)542-4446
9-10/94
Lower Fairfld. Coalit'n Pro. Serving Srs., Stamford, CT.
Local Recognition Event
Contact: Wendy Winnick Wheat, (203)327-4551
10/15/95
Gila Co. Cooperative Ext. Univ. of Arizona, Payson, AZ.
9/12-29/94
Western CT AAA. Waterbury, Cheshire, Sharon, and
Contact: Ruth Carter, (602)425-7179
Thomaston, CT.
11/16
Arizona Community Action Assn., Tucson, AZ.
Contact: Christina Fishbein, (203)757-5449
Contact: Janet Regner, (602)230-8267
10/28-31/94
National Shared Housing Resource Center. Stamford, CT.
ARKANSAS
Contact: Margaret Harmon, (802)862-2727
State Events
11/94
Westfield Court/Stamford Athletic Club. Stamford, CT.
3/27/95
State Conference
Contact: Wendy Winnick Wheat, (203)327-4551
Issue: Intergenerational Issues, Wellness, Managed Care
Contact: Mary Lou King (501)682-8519
Local Recognition Events
CORRECTIONS:
NOTICE:
9/7-9/95
Arkansas Division of Aging & Adult Services. Little
Rock, AR.
In Section 2 of the Sept/Oct
The September /October
Contact: Mary Lou King, (501)682-8519
Newsletter, there was an error
Issue of the WHCoA
CALIFORNIA
in the article on the WHCoA
Newsletter will be published
State Events
Delegate Selection Process. It
in four separate sections.
TBA
2 state conferences
should have read:
This is the final section of
Issue: Abuse
"State delegations must
the four-part series. The
Contact: Catherine Arlette, (916) 324-2941
reflect the following
prior sections have been
Local Recognition Events
9/29
matrix:
Janet Levy Center, Chico, CA.
mailed to you over the last
Contact: Vicki Paxton, (916)898-6758
- 50% of all delegates
few weeks.
10/28,29/94
Older Women's League of California, San Jose, CA,
must be 55 years of age
Section 1, 2 & 3 contained:
Contact: Mary Charles, (408) 248-3839
and older.
WHCoA's Policy Committee
COLORADO
Delegate Selection Process
- 50% must be women.
State Events
WHCoA Comes Alive
The percentage of urban,
9/26,27/95
State Conference on health care, housing, security,
Grassroots Views on
rural and minorities must
volunteerism, education, reengineering the business
WHCoA's Agenda
of aging.
equal that of the state's
Section 4 features:
Contact: Rita Barreras, (303)866-5913
population for each
0 WHCoA State and Local
group."
Events
WHCoA Newsletter- September/October, 1994 Page I
CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW
2. OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED WHCOA EVENTS
3. FINAL AGENDA
4. WHCOA POLICY COMMITTEE
5. WHCOA ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6. DELEGATE APPOINTMENTS
7. STATE-BY-STATE DELEGATE'S TABLE
8. SATELLITE LOCATIONS
9. SCHEDULE/AGENDA - MAY 2-5, 1995
10. POST 1995 CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
11. STATUTE - - Older Americans Act
12. NEWS CLIPPINGS
OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED WHCOA EVENTS
(as of April 1, 1995)
I.
Local Events
419
Mini-Conferences
247
Funded Mini-conferences
39
State and Governors' Conferences
58
Regional Conferences
32
National Pre-Conferences
6
Total Events
801
II. Total number of attendees
153,400*
III.
Percentage of attendees 55 years old or older 73%
NOTE:
*
When all attendance reports are received, we expect that over 153,400
people will have attended a WHCoA event.
NEWS FROM
THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bryan Preston
February 3, 1995
J. D. Schremser
202-245-0105
WHCOA ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CONFERENCE DELEGATES
The 1995 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) today announced that the
number of delegates to the Conference has been increased by 259. The increase, recently
approved by the WHCoA Policy Committee, brings the total number of delegates up to
2,259.
The last WHCoA of this century and the fouith in history will be held May 2-5,
1995, in Washington, D.C. Conference delegates will develop resolutions to influence
national aging policy over the next decade and begin mapping out a strategy for putting the
resolutions into action.
"In the spirit of bipartisanship, the Policy Commmittee increased the number of
delegates to give new Governors and new Members of Congress an opportunity to name
delegates to the Conference," said Senator David Pryor (D-AR), who chairs the 25-member
Committee. "Every American has a stake in the 1995 White House Conference on Aging,
and the Policy Committee's aim is to make the Conference as representative as possible."
Each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will have three additional
delegates. Each territory will have one additional delegate. Each new Member of Congress
will have one delegate.
With the change, the number of state and territorial delegates will increase to a total
of 1,062, up from 901. The number of delegates named by Members of Congress will
increase to a total of 638, up from 540. Other delegates to the Conference will be named by
constituent organizations (including national aging organizations and veterans groups), the
White House, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the WHCoA.
-30-
NOTE: Chart with breakdown of State and Congressional delegations is on back of page.
501 School Street, S.W., 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone (202) 245-7116
Fax (202) 245-7857
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
STATE/CONGRESS DELEGATE TABLE
January 31, 1995
State/Territory
State
Congress
Combined
State/Territory
State
Congress
Combined
Total
Total
Alabama
19
9
28
New Hampshire
11
5
16
Alaska
10
3
13
New Jersey
28
18
46
Arizona
18
12
30
New Mexico
12
5
17
Arkansas
15
6
21
New York
52
36
88
California
69
60
129
North Carolina
25
19
44
Colorado
16
8
24
North Dakota
11
3
14
Connecticut
17
8
25
Ohio
35
26
61
Delaware
11
3
14
Oklahoma
17
12
29
District of Columbia
9
1
10
Oregon
16
9
25
Florida
51
28
79
Pennsylvania
42
29
71
Georgia
22
16
38
Puerto Rico
9
1
10
Hawaii
12
4
16
Rhode Island
12
5
17
Idaho
11
5
16
South Carolina
17
10
27
Illinois
35
25
60
South Dakota
11
3
14
Indiana
22
15
37
Tennessee
21
16
37
lowa
16
9
25
Texas
43
37
80
Kansas
15
8
23
Utah
12
6
18
Kentucky
18
10
28
Vermont
11
3
14
Louisiana
18
9
27
Virginia
22
14
36
Maine
12
7
19
Washington
20
17
37
Maryland
19
11
30
West Virginia
14
5
19
Massachusetts
23
12
35
Wisconsin
21
12
33
Michigan
30
21
51
Wyoming
10
5
15
Minnesota
19
13
32
American Samoa
2
1
3
Mississippi
15
8
23
Guam
2
1
3
Missouri
22
13
35
Virgin Islands
2
2
4
Montana
11
3
14
Pacific Trust Terr.
4
0
4
Nebraska
13
6
19
Nevada
12
5
17
Grand Total
1062
638
1700
NEWS FROM
THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bryan Preston
March 16, 1995
202-245-0105
WHCoA CALLS FOR POST-CONFERENCE EVENTS, PUBLIC COMMENTS TO
HELP IMPLEMENT RESOLUTIONS
The 1995 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) has called for a series of
post-WHCoA events and public comments to help implement the resolutions to be passed at
the May 2-5 Conference in Washington, D.C. "Turning Resolutions into Results: Building
the Legacy of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging," the post-Conference strategy for
ensuring the effective implementation of the resolutions passed at the Conference is published
in the February 28 Federal Register.
Sen. David Pryor, Chairman of the 1995 WHCoA Policy Committee, remarked "The 1995
WHCoA is a process devoted not only to developing aging policy but also to putting it into
action. With the guidance of these post-conference events and public comments we will do
just that.
At the closing plenary session of the White House Conference on Aging, the approximately
2200 delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories will
vote on approximately forty resolutions to guide national aging policy into the 21st century.
Post-conference events will focus on the practical aspects of implementing these resolutions.
Organizations interested in sponsoring a post-Conference event should contact Karen
Goldmeier at (202) 245-7116. The Conference will also accept public comments regarding
resolution implementation independent of any sanctioned post-WHCoA events until October
13, 1995. The last WHCoA request for public comments elicited over 900 responses.
501 School Street, S.W.; 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone (202) 245-7116
Fax (202) 245-7857
OLDER AMERICANS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1987
[Public Law 100-175, November 29, 1987 (101 Stat. 926)]
TITLE II-WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
ON AGING
SEC. 201. WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE AUTHORIZED.
(a) FINDINGS.-The Congress finds that-
(1) the number of individuals 55 years of age or older was
approximately 52,923,000 in 1990, and will, by the year 2040,
be approximately 103,646,000,
(2) more than 1 of every 8 persons 55 years of age or older
will be hospitalized during the next year,
(3) the out-of-pocket costs to older individuals for health
care increased from 12.3 percent in 1977 to 18.2 percent in
1988,
(4) there is a great need to ensure access and the quality
of affordable health care to all older individuals,
(5) the need for a comprehensive and responsive long-term
care delivery system is great,
(6) the availability and cost of suitable housing, together
with suitable services needed for independent or semi-inde-
pendent living, still cause concern to older individuals,
(7) the ability to lead an independent or semi-independent
life is contingent, in many cases, upon the availability of a.
comprehensive and effective social service system for older
individuals,
(8) the availability and access to opportunities for contin-
ued productivity and employment is of great importance to
middle-aged and older individuals who want or need to work,
(9) the fulfillment, dignity, and satisfaction of retirees still
depend on the continuing development of a consistent national
retirement policy,
(10) there is a continuing need to maintain and preserve
the national policy with respect to increasing, coordinating,
and expediting biomedical and other appropriate research di-
rected at determining the causes and effects of the aging proc-
ess,
(11) false stereotypes about aging and the process of aging
continue to be prevalent throughout the United States and
policies should be nurtured to overcome such stereotypes, and
161
Sec. 202
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
162
(12) the talents and experience of older individuals rep-
resent a valuable community resource which should be devel-
oped and more widely shared within the local community.
(b) POLICY.-It is the policy of the Congress that-
(1) the Federal Government should work jointly with the
States and their citizens to develop recommendations and
plans for action to meet the challenges and needs of older indi-
viduals, consistent with the objectives of this section, and
(2) in developing programs for the aging pursuant to this
section emphasis should be directed toward individual, private,
and public initiatives and resources intended to enhance the
economic security and self-sufficiency of elder Americans.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE.
May 31, 1995
(a) AUTHORITY TO CALL CONFERENCE.-Not later than Decem-
ber 31, 1994 the President shall convene the White House Con-
ference on Aging in order to develop recommendations for addi-
tional research and action in the field of aging which will further
the policy set forth in subsection (b).
(b) PLANNING AND DIRECTION.-The Conference shall be
planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary in co-
operation with the Commissioner on Aging and the Director of the
National Institute on Aging, and the heads of such other Federal
departments and agencies as are appropriate. Such assistance may
include the assignment of personnel.
(c) PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE.-The purpose of the Con-
ference shall be-
(1) to increase the public awareness of the interdependence
of generations and the essential contributions of older individ-
uals to society for the well-being of all generations;
(2) to identify the problems facing older individuals and
the commonalities of the problems with problems of younger
generations;
(3) to examine the well-being of older individuals, includ-
ing the impact the wellness of older individuals has on our
aging society;
(4) to develop such specific and comprehensive rec-
ommendations for executive and legislative action as may be
appropriate for maintaining and improving the well-being of
the aging;
(5) to develop recommendations for the coordination of
Federal policy with State and local needs and the implementa-
tion of such recommendations; and
(6) to review the status and multigenerational value of rec-
ommendations adopted at previous White House Conferences
on Aging.
(d) CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS AND DELEGATES.-
(1) PARTICIPANTS.-In order to carry out the purposes of
this section, the Conference shall bring together-
(A) representatives of Federal, State, and local
governments,
(B) professional and lay people who are working in the
field of aging, and
163
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
Sec. 203
(C) representatives of the general public, particularly
older individuals.
(2) SELECTION OF DELEGATES.-The delegates shall be se-
lected without regard to political affiliation or past partisan ac-
tivity and shall, to the best of the appointing authority's abil-
ity, be representative of the spectrum of thought in the field
of aging. Delegates shall include individuals who are profes-
sionals, individuals who are nonprofessionals, minority individ-
uals, and individuals from low-income families.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
SEC. 203. CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION.
(a) ADMINISTRATION.-In administering this section, the Sec-
retary shall-
(1) provide written notice to all members of the Policy
Committee of each meeting, hearing, or working session of the
Policy Committee not later than 48 hours before the occurrence
of such meeting, hearing, or working session,
(2) request the cooperation and assistance of the heads of
such other Federal departments and agencies as may be appro-
priate in the carrying out of this section,
(3) furnish all reasonable assistance, including financial
assistance, to State agencies on the aging and to area agencies
on the aging, and to other appropriate organizations (including
organizations representing older Indians), to enable them to or-
ganize and conduct conferences in conjunction with the Con-
ference,
(4) make available for public comment a proposed agenda,
prepared by the Policy Committee, for the Conference which
will reflect to the greatest extent possible the major issues fac-
ing older individuals consistent with the provisions of sub-
section (a),
(5) prepare and make available background materials for
the use of delegates to the Conference which the Secretary
deems necessary, and
(6) engage such additional personnel as may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of this section without regard to
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appoint-
ments in the competitive service, and without regard to chap-
ter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating
to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(b) DUTIES.-The Secretary shall, in carrying out the Sec-
retary's responsibilities and functions under this section, and as
part of the White House Conference on Aging, ensure that-
(1) the conferences under subsection (a)(2) shall-
subsection (a) (3)
(A) include a conference on older Indians to identify
conditions that adversely affect older Indians, to propose
solutions to ameliorate such conditions, and to provide for
the exchange of information relating to the delivery of
services to older Indians, and
(B) be so conducted as to assure broad participation of
older individuals,
(2) the agenda prepared under subsection (a)(4) for the
Conference is published in the Federal Register not later than
Sec 204
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
164
30 days after such agenda is approved by the Policy Commit-
tee, and the Secretary may republish such agenda together
with the recommendations of the Secretary regarding such
agenda,
subsection (a)
(3) the personnel engaged under subsection (a)(5) shall be
fairly balanced in terms of points of views represented and
shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or pre-
vious partisan activities,
(4) the recommendations of the Conference are not inap-
propriately influenced by any appointing authority or by any
special interest, but will instead be the result of the independ-
ent judgment of the Conference, and
(5) current and adequate statistical data, including decen-
nial census data, and other information on the well-being of
older individuals in the United States are readily available, in
advance of the Conference, to the delegates of the Conference,
together with such information as may be necessary to evalu-
ate Federal programs and policies relating to aging. In carry-
ing out this subparagraph, the Secretary is authorized to make
grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, public
agencies and nonprofit private organizations.
(c) GIFTS.-The Secretary may accept, on behalf of the United
States, gifts (in cash or in kind, including voluntary and uncompen-
sated services), which shall be available to carry out this title. Gifts
of cash shall be available in addition to amounts appropriated to
carry out this title.
(d) RECORDS.-The Secretary shall maintain records
regarding-
(1) the sources, amounts, and uses of gifts accepted under
subsection (c); and
(2) the identity of each person receiving assistance to carry
out this title, and the amount of such assistance received by
each such person.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
SEC. 204. POLICY COMMITTEE; RELATED COMMITTEES.
(a) POLICY COMMITTEE.-
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.-There is established a Policy Com-
mittee comprised of 25 members to be selected, not later than
December 31, 19
90 days after the enactment of the Older Americans Act
Amendments of 1992, as follows:
(A) PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEES.-Thirteen members
shall be selected by the President and shall include-
(i) 3 members who are officers or employees of the
United States; and
(ii) 10 members with experience in the field of
aging, who may include representatives of public aging
agencies, institution-based organizations, and minority
aging organizations.
(B) HOUSE APPOINTEES.-Four members shall be se-
lected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
after consultation with the Minority Leader of the House
of Representatives, and shall include members of the Com-
mittee on Education and Labor of the House of Represent-
165
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
Sec.
201
atives, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives, and the Select Committee on Aging of the
House of Representatives. Not more than 3 members se-
lected under this subparagraph may be associated or affili-
ated with the same political party.
(C) SENATE APPOINTEES.-Four members shall be se-
lected by the Majority Leader of the Senate, after consulta-
tion with the Minority Leader of the Senate, and shall in-
clude members of the Committee on Labor and Human Re-
sources of the Senate, the Committee on Finance of the
Senate, and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate.
Not more than 3 members selected under this subpara-
graph may be associated or affiliated with the same politi-
cal party.
(D) JOINT APPOINTEES.-Four members shall be se-
lected jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives and the Majority Leader of the Senate, after con-
sultation with the minority leaders of the House and Sen-
ate, and shall include representatives with experience in
the field of aging, who may include representatives de-
scribed in subsection (a)(1)(A)(ii). Not more than 2 mem-
bers selected under this subparagraph may be associated
or affiliated wich the same political party.
(2) DUTIES OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE.-The Policy Com-
mittee shall initially meet at the call of the Secretary, but not
later than 30 days after the last member is selected under sub-
section (a). Subsequent meetings of the Policy Committee shall
be held at the call of the chairperson of the Policy Committee.
Through meetings, hearings, and working sessions, the Policy
Committee shall-
(A) make recommendations to the Secretary to facili-
tate the timely convening of the Conference;
(B) formulate and approve a proposed agenda for the
Conference not later than 60 days after the first meeting
90 days
of the Policy Committee;
(C) make recommendations for participants and dele-
gates of the Conference;
(D) establish the number of delegates to be selected
under section 202(d)(2); and
(E) formulate and approve the initial report of the
Conference in accordance with section 205.
(3) QUORUM; COMMITTEE VOTING; CHAIRPERSON.-
(A) QUORUM.-Thirteen members shall constitute a
quorum for the purpose of conducting the business of the
Policy Committee, except that 17 members shall constitute
a quorum for purposes of approving the agenda required
by paragraph (2)(B) and the report required by paragraph
(2)(E).
(B) VOTING.-The Policy Committee shall act by the
vote of the majority of the members present.
(C) CHAIRPERSON.-The President shall select a chair-
person from among the members of the Policy Committee.
The chairperson may vote only to break a tie vote of the
other members of the Policy Committee.
Sec. 205
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
166
(b) ADVISORY AND OTHER COMMITTEES.-
(1) IN GENERAL.-The President shall establish an advisory
committee to the Conference which shall include, representa-
tion from the Federal Council on Aging and other public agen-
cies and private nonprofit organizations as appropriate. The
President shall consider for appointment to the advisory com-
mittee individuals recommended by the Policy Committee.
(2) 1 OTHER COMMITTEES.-The Secretary may establish such
other committees, including technical committees, as may be nec-
essary to assist in the planning, conducting, and reviewing of the
Conference.
(c) COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES.-Each committee established
under subsection (b) shall be composed of professionals and public
members, and shall include individuals from low-income families
and from minority groups. A majority of the public members of
each such committee shall be 55 years of age or older, and individ-
uals who are Native Americans.
(d) COMPENSATION.-Appointed members of any such commit-
tee (other than any officers or employees of the Federal Govern-
ment), while attending conferences or meetings of the committee or
otherwise serving at the request of the Secretary, shall be entitled
to receive compensation at a rate to be fixed by the Secretary, but
not to exceed the daily-preseribed rate for GS 18 under section
equivalent of
5332 of title 5, United States Code (including travel time). While
the maximum rat
away from their homes or regular places of business, such members
of pay payable
may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub-
under section 5:
sistence, as authorized under section 5703 of such title for persons
employed intermittently in Federal Government service.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
SEC. 205. REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE.
(a) PROPOSED REPORT.-A proposed report of the Conference,
which shall include a statement of comprehensive coherent na-
tional policy on aging together with recommendations for the im-
plementation of the policy, shall be published and submitted to the
chief executive officers of the States not later than 90 days follow-
ing the date on which the Conference is adjourned. The findings
and recommendations included in the published proposed report
shall be immediately available to the public.
(b) RESPONSE TO PROPOSED REPORT.-The chief executive offi-
cers of the States, after reviewing and soliciting recommendations
and comments on the report of the Conference, shall submit to the
Policy Committee, not later than 90 days after receiving the report,
their views and findings on the recommendations of the Con-
ference.
(c) REPORTS.-
(1) INITIAL REPORT.-The Policy Committee shall, after re-
viewing the views and recommendations of the chief executive
officers of the States, prepare and approve an initial report of
the Conference, which shall include a compilation of the ac-
tions of the chief executive officers of the States and take into
consideration the views and findings of such officers.
1 Indentation error in amendment made by section 834(2) of Public Law 102-375. Should
amend 80 8.9 to align the left margin of this paragraph with the left margin of paragraph (1).
167
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
Sec. 207
(2) Not later than 60 days after such initial report is trans-
mitted by the Policy Committee, the Secretary shall publish
such initial report in the Federal Register. The Secretary may
republish a final report together with such additional views
and recommendations as the Secretary considers to be appro-
priate.
(d) RECOMMENDATIONS OF POLICY COMMITTEE.-The Policy
Committee shall, within 90 days after submission of the views of
the chief executive officers of the States, publish and transmit to
the President and to the Congress recommendations for the admin-
istrative action and the legislation necessary to implement the rec-
ommendations contained within the report.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this title—
(1) the term "area agency on aging" has the meaning given
the term in section 102(17) of the Older Americans Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. 3002(17)),
(2) the term "State agency on aging" means the State
agency designated under section 305(a)(1) of the Act,
(3) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services,
(4) the term "Conference" means the White House Con-
ference on Aging, and
(5) the term "State" means any of the several States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Terri-
tory of the Pacific Islands, or the Commonwealth of the North-
ern Mariana Islands.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
of the United States.
SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) AUTHORIZATION.-
(1) IN GENERAL.-There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1992 through
1994 to carry out this title.
(2) CONTRACTS.-Authority to enter into contracts under
this title shall be effective only to the extent, or in such
amounts as are, provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.-
(1) IN GENERAL.-Except as provided in paragraph (3),
funds appropriated to carry out this title and funds received as
gifts under section 203(c) shall remain available for obligation
or expenditure until June 30, 1995, or the expiration of the
one-year period beginning on the date the Conference adjourns,
whichever occurs earlier.
(2) UNOBLIGATED FUNDS.-Except as provided in para-
graph (3), any such funds neither expended nor obligated be-
fore June 30, 1906, or the expiration of the one-year period be-
ginning on the date the Conference adjourns, whichever occurs
earlier, shall be available to carry out the Older Americans Act
of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.).
(3) CONFERENCE NOT CONVENED.-If the Conference is not
convened before June 30, 1994, such funds neither expended
December 31, 19
Sec. 207
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING
168
nor obligated before such date shall be available to carry out
the Older Americans Act of 1965.
(42 U.S.C. 3001 note)
* Section 831 through Section 839 of the Older Americans Not
Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-375) contained: (1)
amendments to the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1987,
which are already reflected in the preceding text, and (2)
the following provisions:
Section 837. Savings Provision
All personnel assigned or engaged under section 202 (b)
or section 203 (a) (5) of the Older Americans Act Amendments
of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3001 note) as in effect immediately
before the date of the enactment of this Act shall continue
to be assigned or engaged under such section after such date
notwithstanding the amendments made by this subtitle.
Section 838. Sense of the Congress
It is the sense of the Congress that the White House
Conference on Aging should consider the impact of the
earnings test in effect under section 203 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403) on older individuals who are
employed.
* * Section 6 of the Older Americans Act Technical Amendments
of 1993 (Public Law 103-171) contained additional technical
amendments to the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1987
which are noted in the margins of the preceding next.
Revised Agenda
Advisory Committee
White House Conference on Aging
March 3, 1995 9 - 11 AM
Washington, DC
9:00 - 9:10
Welcome
Robert B. Blancato
WHCoA Executive Director
9:10 - 9:15
Swearing-in of members
9:15 - 9:45
Introduction of members
Members
(short statements by
members)
9:45 - 9:55
Remarks
Richard J. Hodes, MD
Director
National Institute on Aging
9:55 - 10:00
Purpose of the meeting
Mr. Blancato
10:00 - 10:45
Responsibilities of Advisory
Discussion
Committee
Pre-Conference:
-
Resolutions process
-
Facilitators/issue
experts
-
Background papers
-
Conference agenda
Conference:
-
Agenda implementation
-
Resolutions process
Post-Conference:
-
Resolutions
-
Conference report
-
I
Post-Conference events
10:45 - 11:00
Next steps/closing
Members
METRO/NORTHWEST
THE OREGONIAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1995
Advocate on aging visits state to gear for parley
Robert B. Blancato of the
and how they cover the state of rela-
"
Two out of three of the 380 retirees
White House Conference on
tions between the generations in
who participated In the survey listed
Aging says topics will cover
this country."
affordable health care as their top
Blancato made his first visit to Or-
Now you name me a
Issue. Social Security concerns were
abuse, child care and disease
egon while preparing for the White
community
where an
a distant second, followed by ques-
House Conference on Aging. Blanca-
tions about long-term care. Other
By SPENCER HEINZ
to, 43, Is a Clinton administration
older person is not a
top issues included crime and safe-
of The Oregonian staff
appointee who served in the 1980s as
staff director of the House Select
productive member
ty, income security, low-Income
housing, the national deficit, govern-
SALEM Alzheimer's disease.
Committee on Aging's subcommittee
Robert B. Blancato
ment credibility, education and
Abuse of the elderly. Health care.
on human services The conference
transportation.
Grandparents raising their chil-
is the fourth such one since 1961 and
Top concerns of the 33 responding
dren's children. Inaccurate media
the last one planned for this centu-
"
service providers included long-
portrayals of older persons.
ry.
term care, affordable health care
JAN 06 '95 03:06PM SDSD PROGRAM ASSISTANCE
Those will be some of the hot top-
Scheduled May 2-5 In Washington,
and Social Security.
ics at the upcoming White House
D.C., the conference will make rec-
Blancato said the success of the
Conference on Aging, the executive
ommendations for a national aging
upcoming conference would depend
director of the conference said
policy to take the country into the
Circulating at Wednesday's gath-
on putting recommendations into ac-
Wednesday in Salem.
21st century.
ering were results of a survey of sev-
Non.
The conference will bring together
eral hundred Oregon residents.
Robert B. Blancato said older peo-
"The roads that get us there all re-
ple around the nation when asked
2,000 delegates selected by Congress,
James A. Davis and Associates con-
volve around the term 'advocacy,'
what they think of how well the
the White House, governors and oth-
ducted the survey on behalf of Ore.
Blancalo said, "because I believe
media cover aging replied that
ers.
gon's planning committee for the
sincerely this is a conference where
more local reporters were being as-
About 600 meetings have been
White House conference.
advocacy Is going to be so, so impor-
signed to the issues. But they said
planned around the nation as dele-
Among survey findings:
tant."
the national media tended to portray
gates develop recommendations and
them as "greedy geezers" or. as
set priorities. Blancato was in town
"burdens to society."
to meet with the Oregon State Con-
ference on Aging, which has been
"Now you name me a community
gathering viewpoints to help fine-
in this state or this country where
tune Oregon's priorities for the con-
an older person is not a productive
ference.
member of that community," Blan-
cato told the crowd of Oregon's con-
Blancato said grandparents have
ference representatives.
become the primary caregivers for
S.1 million grandchildren. Grand-
"There are lons and tons of com-
parents also serve as the primary
munities and millions of seniors
day-care providers for another 2 mil-
who are actively involved in the
lion grandcbildren, he said.
community. But that's not the mes-:
"Another challenge," Blancato
sage that often gets out through the
said, "Is the need for us to recognize
national media.
aging as a generational issue in this
"So the White House Conference
country. We are not having a White
sees a 'bully pulpit' opportunity
House Conference on 'the aged.' It's
Blancato said. 'Not to convert any
a much broader and much more
body, but just to level the playing challenging issue for us to deal with.
field a little on how the I
1
cover
Our policy discussions have to re-
aging, how they portray the elderly 1
1
that."
Friday Feb 17
AGING
Conference
From Page ID
he joked that they had strayed from
mixes wit,
the topic to discuss sex, rock 'n' roll,
and violence.
"The group loved sex and rock 'n'
activism
1
roll," he said, "but it's violence that
$
has got to go!"
-
Such stereotype-busting comments
-
were common; these are people
By L. Kelly
who want to remain in the main-
The Wichita Eagle
;
stream of society.
-
HUTCHINSON - They want to make
There was Hutchinson resident
the world a better place. They want to
)
Samuel Kahalewai, 76, who said he
share their wisdom. They don't feel "old"
t
was happy to help define what is-
and they are not ready to sit quietly in
sues are important to older Ameri-
cans. He believes that job retraining
rocking chairs.
And SO more than 200 Kansans of many
and volunteering to help others are
t
vital to "productive aging"
ages continued their two-day conference
/
There was Lucille Horyna, of
on aging Friday to talk about their prob-
Hutchinson, who is 78 and volun-
lems and to propose solutions. The resolu-
teers at her church and in a mentor-
tions they helped write at the Kansas
ing program that helps single par-
White House Conference on Aging will be
ents. She attended the state
presented at a national conference May 2-
1
conference because, "Anything that
5 in Washington, D.C.
1
we can do to make our lives a little
The Hutchinson gathering - which was
better, that's what I think we need
coordinated by the Kansas Department on
3
to be active in."
Aging and the Kansas Association of Area
1
And there was Marilyn Atkinson,
Agencies on Aging - drew members of
;
65, of St. John, who has been retired
the general public, along with representa-
t
for two years and has a good role
tives of organizations and agencies that
model for active aging in her nearly
deal with older Kansans.
blind 86-year-old father, who helps
Laughter helped lighten the complex
her deliver Meals on Wheels.
and serious topics, which included health
"If I can go back to my communi-
care, crime, isolation, stereotypes and reg-
ty and talk to people about the is-
ulations.
sues of aging, I feel like that's good,"
For example, Art Collins of the Wyan-
she said. "And I think that it will
dotte-Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging
make a difference."
helped lead a discussion on ways to im-
Twenty-three Kansas delegates
prove the economic security of senior citi-
will attend the national conference,
zens. While presenting the group's ideas,
where ideas from across the coun-
1
See AGING, Page 3D
try will be consolidated into 40 reso-
lutions designed to influence nation-
al policy for the next 10 years.
Among the dozens of proposals
the Kansas delegates will carry:
Times UNION 3/9/95
llbany, N.Y. Thursday, March 9, 1995
State to take agenda for aging to Vashington
BY KENNETH C. CROWE II
mendations in six areas that will
gates marched on the Saratoga
in place," said Ray, who is executive
future of aging programs.
Staff writer,
guide the delegation at the White
Springs district office of state Senate
director of the New York State Wide
SARATOGA SPRINGS - When
The platform stresses that the
House Conference on the Aging 6d
Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-
Senior Action Council and a delegate
programs serve members of different
the state's 88 delegates go to Wash-
"They did an excellent job," said
Brunswick, to protest a $1.2 billion
to both the state and national meet-
ington in May to set the course for
generations.
Maribeth Barsani, executive deputy
reduction in state Medicaid pro-
ings.
the next decade on issues confronting
director of the state Office for the
grams.
Ray said the conference was on
the aging, they 11, bring a platform
The conference at, the Saratoga
Aging. "It was an ambitious agenda.
Bonnie, Ray of Hoags Corners,
cerned that people understand there
hammered out in a statewide con-
We have a plan for the next decade in
Rensselaet County, said working on
Springs City. Center was the end
should not be generation conflict
vention held here this week.
result of 125 meetings, involving
aging programs. They planned for
the program was difficult for the
The platform emphasized that
The 500 delegates to the New York
their grandchildren and children, as
delegates while seeing the state and
30,000 people, that were held across
health care, housing and long term
state Governor's Conference on Ag-
well as themselves.
federal governments propose the
the state during the past year.
care should be affordable and avail
ing drew together a list of 60 recom-
The platform was put together
systematic destruction of the safety
The six areas in the platform are
able
under the cloud of state and federal
next for all vulnerable groups.
health care, housing, long-term care,
It also stated that economic security
Decks,
spending cuts.
The people at the conference are a
economic security, serving older mi-
ty should be provided and funding for
Now
weld
On Tuesday, more than 100 dele-
generation who put these programs
norities and the disabled, and the
aging programs should be continued
Porches
In 1980, an architect
$ a builder created a
y to produce
idsom
3/9/95
METRO
THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
Chisholm encourages seniors
Aging conference
Chisholm challenged conference
est "preconference" that has been
participants to show their power at
Older
held, he said. There are more than
to help establish
the ballot box.
people
700 registered participants from
"You can't make people do what
national agenda
they don't want to do, but you can
have
Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana attend-
ing the two-day event, which ends
exercise a certain penance," she
become a
today.
BY KARLA SCOON
said. "You can institute certain
political
About 60 percent of the partici-
The Cincinnati Enquirer
sanctions."
FORT MITCHELL - Shirley
Chisholm, who in 1972 became
force to be
pants, who were selected by mem-
bers of Congress or social service
Chisholm, the first black woman
the first black woman to run for
reckoned
agencies, are 60 or older, he said.
elected to Congress, said Wednes-
president, said by the year 2020,
more than 40 million Americans
with in
Smiley said five recommenda-
day she was wary. of senior citi-
tions from the conference will be
zens' political clout while she was
will be 65 or older. She said Ameri-
America.
outlined in a report and forwarded
in office.
cans need to view the elderly as
We older Americans
to the national conference commit-
people with "human needs, human
dignity and worth."
are the change agents
tee.
Chisholm, who kicked off the
Tristate White House Conference
Conference participants took
Cecil Wilford Sr., 69, of West
in this society.'
on Aging at the Drawbridge Inn,
part in workshops Wednesday to
College Hill, said seniors do have
learn more about issues from
said she - like many politicians -
the power to influence the deci-
- Shirley Chisolm
health insurance to abuse of the
feared the tenacity and determina-
sions politicians make. He said he
tion of older Americans who
elderly.
has voted more consistently as the
worked to make sure Congress did
Today, they will meet in cau-
years have passed.
not overlook their needs.
tional White House Conference on
cuses to give input to the Tristate
"We know we've got clout. (Pol-
Aging will be held May 2-4 in
conference report.
"Older people have become a
iticians) take notice when seniors
Washington.
Robert Blancato, executive di-
political force to be reckoned with
come out," he said.
rector of the 1995 White House
in America," said Chisholm, 70,
Conference chairman A. Eugene
Smiley said a national confer-
Conference on Aging, and William
who represented New York in the
Smiley said the event is one of 60
ence is held every 20 years to help
Benson, deputy assistant secretary
House of Representatives from
similar events being held nation-
create an agenda for Congress to
for aging with the U.S. Depart-
1969 to 1983. "We older Ameri-
wide-to gather input from seniors
develop a clear policy on older
ment of Health and Human Serv-
cans are the change agents in this
on issues they want addressed by
Americans.
ices also are scheduled to speak
society."
the federal government. The Na-
The Tristate event is the larg-
today.
Benton Harbor-St. Joe,MI
Herald-Palladium
Benton Harbor Met Area
Friday
0 34,118
MAR 10, 1995
N3222
LUCE
PRESS CLIPPINGS
French to attend aging conference
Ey ANITA SMITH.
t -P Staff Writer
Health care, income security
Engler and 17 named by mem-
bers of the state's Congressional
are top issues with delegates
delegation.
Paula French, executive direc-
The number of delegates cho-
tor of the St. Joseph-Lincoln
sen by the state's governor is
Senior Center, will serve as a del-
nation.
On Monday and Tuesday, she
based on the state's population of
e gate to the White House Confer-
"The top five issues people are
will attend a pre-White House
people 55 and older, compared to
ence on Aging set for May 2-5 in
most concerned about are health-
Conference with all Michigan del-
the nation's total population 55
Washington, D.C.
/long-term care, income security
egates at the Kellogg Center in
and older. Delegations selected
She was appointed a delegate
and other benefits, housing/social
Lansing. There they will develop
by governors must be composed
by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.
and community services, crime
a policy platform to reflect the
of 50 percent people 55 and older
The 2,259 delegates from
and personal safety, and interde-
needs of Michigan's maturing
and 50 percent women. In addi-
hroughout the country will join
pendence
of
generations,"
population.
tion, minorities, urban and rural
President Clinton and others to
French said.
The issues to be discussed in
residents must be represented
develop resolutions about the na-
Because all delegates can not
Lansing next week were com-
according to their representation
tional aging policy over the next
deal with all 18 issues in four
piled from issues brought up at
in the state's total population.
decade and begin planning strat-
days, delegates are to select one
smaller mini-conferences held
This White House Conference
egy to implement the resolutions.
or two issues of interest to them
throughout Michigan last fall, she
said.
on Aging is the fourth such con-
French said the White House
before breaking into small focus
ference ever assembled and the
Conference on Aging will deal
groups. French hasn't yet de-
Michigan's delegation for the
PAULA FRENCH
Washington meeting will include
last of this century.
with 18 issues gathered from
cided which interest groups she
Appointed delegate
I public opinion from across the
will join.
27 delegates named by Gov. John
Sunday
SUN 24,200
MAR
12. 1995
P3354
LUCE
CLIPPINGS
Lincoln professor to attend national conference on aging
By MIKKI BURLE
in senior initiatives since 1974.
and regional activities as well as
News Tribune
The 1995 conference is the
mini conferences and focus
Dolores Penn, an assistant pro-
fourth one ever and will be the
groups.
fessor at Lincoln University and
last of this century. Leading up to
Each Missouri congressman
the gerontology specialist for Uni-
the conference are more than 700
named one delegate to the confer-
versity Extension, will be a Mis-
officially recognized events across
ence, and Carnahan named 18 del-
souri delegate in May to the White
the nation, including local, state
egates.
House Conference on Aging in
Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Penn, who was named by
Gov. Mel Carnahan, is one of at
least 29 delegates from Missouri
Official expect 2,259 delegates
from around the country to join
President Clinton and others for
the conference. The delegates will
develop resolutions to influence
national aging policy over the next
decade and map out a strategy for
putting the resolutions into action.
Mrs. Penn, who attended the
1981 conference, said delegates
have been attending training ses-
sions to discuss policy issues that
will be addressed at the confer-
ence, including health and income
security, long-term care, Social Se-
curity and quality of life.
Mrs. Penn, who is 62, said she
supports any policies that would
improve health care use, promote
affordable universal health insur-
ance, and give tax credits toward
training opportunities to middle-
Dolores Penn, on assistant professor of Lincoln University; is one of
age and older women who want to
of least 29 Missouri delegates who will attend the White House
return to the workforce or to
Conference on Aging.
school for advanced degrees.
The delegates are "concerned
head of the university's music de-
southeast Missouri counties be-
about the elderly. We want to
partment
cause women, especially older mi-
make sure that they have a great
As part of her duties at the uni-
nority women, who live in the area
quality of life," Mrs. Penn said.
versity, Mrs. Penn designs and de-
have the lowest income in the
Mrs. Penn and her husband,
velops educational programs for
state and the poorest health, she
Marshall, have lived in Jefferson
older adults throughout the state.
said.
City since 1989. He is the retired
She has a special interest in
Mrs: Penn also is a member of
the state Advisory Council on
Aging. She is the project director
for two grants for cancer preven-
tion and control, one financed by
the Missouri Department of
Health and the other by the Na-
tional Cancer Institute in Wash-
ington, D.C. She has been involved
Thursday, March 16, 1995, Page B3
Cuyahoga
BeaconJournal
THE
Summit
Portage
Medina
Stark
REGION
Acron, at10
Wayne
TODAY'S TOPIC: Conference on Aging
Local voices due in D.C.
Delegates will relay
area's collective thinking
Profiling the older population
on issues affecting elderly
The following delegates will rep-
Acrossithe.nation
resent the region at the White
House Conference on Aging, May 2-
The nation's elderly population, 10 times larger now
ning in 2011. Eleven states could have more than 1
5. Here are some of the topics they
than in 1900, is expected to more than double between
million elderly by 2010. Ohio's elderly population ranks
want to discuss at the conference:
1990 and 2030 as Baby Boomers reach age 65 begin-
among the highest in the United States.
"When people go into nursing
homes, it can cost $30,000 to
Population 65 years and
$36,000 a year. You can run
over in 1990
through your life savings and
the spouse who remains at home
Under
can suffer financial strain That's
200,000
an issue I'm
particularly in-
200,000-
D.C.
terested in
499,999
"Many ex-
500,000-
perts feel that
999,999
helping people
stay in their
1 million
own homes
or more
will help pre-
vent them
from these ex-
Across Ohio
pensive, ex-
Margaret Olds
pensive long-
Almost one-third of older Ohioans live
Ninty-five percent of all older
term care costs. I want to be sure
alone; of those age 75 and older, more
Ohioans would prefer to live In
there is provision for elderly who
than half live alone.
their own home, even if they need
need this kind of care to get it, even
when their resources are depleted.
Income for Ohio elders who are
outside care. Two-thirds of Ohio
"Services such as Mobile Meals
minorities is much lower than for
elders live on their OWN,
and Passport, which helps older
white Ohio elders. About 1 in 4 older
depending mainly on help from
Ohioans remain in their homes, are
white Ohio residents takes in less
family, friends and neighbors.
subject to uncertain funding. As the
than $9,500 a year, for older African-
older population increases, the need
Americans in Ohio, over 4 in 10 take
Slightly over 137,000 older Ohioans
will also increase.
in less than $9,500.
are employed.
"Programs that help older well
Fewer Ohio elders live below the
adults stay productive are impor-
Ohioans age 85 and older are part
tant to maintain, also.
More than 8 out of 10 older Ohioans
poverty rate than the national average.
of the fastest-growing age group
"One of the roles of the dele-
own homes, and more than
Ohio's older population ranks 7th
in the state. The 85-plus group
gates will be to come back and
two-thirds own homes that are
in the nation. The total elderly
increased by 77 percent between
mobilize the people here, to get
mortgage-free.
population is 1.432 million
1970 to 1990.
done what we need to get done.
Ultimately, it all goes back to the
Acrossithe.region.
voter.
- Margaret Olds, Cuyahoga Falls,
director of Summit County's
Here are numbers
Here are numbers showing the growth in the 65-plus population from 1980 to 1990
OASIS educational program, ap-
Percent
reflecting the percent of
pointed by Rep. Tom Sawyer.
population
1980
1990
celders in the total popul;
of
ation of each area in 1990:
County
growth
Population
population
population
hope to share experiences
that will sensitize the government
9,667
Portage
38% growth
Portage
9.36%
13,341
to the ongoing
Summit
13.83%
needs of the
Summit
21% growth
SENVENTING
58,997
elderty poor.
71,214
Medina
9,69%
"I hope to
Medina
47% growth
8,067
advocate for
National
24.3
Stark
14.41%
11,860
continuing the
population
percent
Older Ameri-
Stark
25% growth
THE
42,321
gowth
Wayne
11.63%
cans Act, and
52,971
Ohio
Ohio
12.6%
against cutting
9,301
population
20.38
meaningful
Wayne
27% growth
growth
percent
National
11,803
13.1%
programs such
SOURCES U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio Department of Adne Knight Ridder
as the Foster
Myrtle Peters
JAMEE TANNER/ Beacon Journal
Grandparent
Program, the Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program, and the Senior
the country. These include older
Companion Program."
adults as mentors for children and
TAKING PART
- Myrtle Peters, Akron, direc-
their parents in high-risk families,
tor of Akron's Foster Grandparent
as mentors for first-time juvenile
To attend the preconference: Ohio's pre-
5500. Registration deadline is April 5.
Programs. appointed by Gov.
offenders, as tutors, and as staff
conference for the National White House Con-
To attend the conference: There are 250
George Voinovich.
members in day care centers.
ference on Aging will be held April 13 in Co
"observer seats" available at the conference
"These programs have enjoyed
lumbus. Topics to be discussed are health
at the Washington (D.C.) Hilton. For more in-
"Many important focus issues,
a high success rate, with benefits
care, crime, economic security, transportation
ranging from health care to crime
and housing.
formation, contact Shirley Coben, (202) 245
and personal
for both the young and the old. In a
Results will be carried to the White House
7826.
time of decreasing funding, vanish-
Conference.
To watch the conference: It will be broad
safety, will be
ing resources and an approaching
The conference will be held from 8:30 an
discussed. I
cast satellite. The specific channel will be
intergenerational 'war' based on the
to 4 p.m. at the Aladdin Temple, 3850 Stelzer
designated shortly before the
For
feel that one of
the
im-
use of funds as Social Security, in-
Road. To register for the free conference, call
more information, call Mike Callahan at 1:
tergenerational programs provide
the Ohio Department of Aging, (014) 4466-
800-800-2372
portant focus
includes
an alternative approach that
VIIIV residents Lakes in less
u ienus and neighbors,
subject to uncertain funding: As the
than $9,500 a year, for older African-
Americans in Ohio, over 4 in 10 take
Slightly over 137,000 older Ohiosna
older population increases, the need
will
alen
ast 1000 with $5,000.
dic employed.
"Programs that help older
Fewer Ohio elders live below the
adults stay productive are impor-
Ohioans age 85 and older are part
More than 8 out of 10 older Ohioans
poverty rate than the national average.
to maintain, also.
of the fastest-growing age group
"One of the roles of the dele-
own homes, and more than
Ohio's older population ranks 7th
in the state. The 85-plus group
gates will be to come back and
two-thirds own homes that are
In the nation. The total elderly
increased by 77 percent between
mobilize the people here, to get
mortgage-free.
population is 1.432 million
1970 to 1990.
done what we need to get done.
Ultimately, it all goes back to the
Acrossithe.region.
voter.'
- Margaret Olds, Cuyahoga Falls,
Here are numbers
director of Summit County's
Here are numbers showing the growth in the 65-plus population from 1980 to 1990
reflecting the percent of
OASIS educational program, ap-
Percent
pointed by Rep. Tom Sawyer.
1980
population
&
1990
elders in the total popul-
County
growth
Population
population
ation of each area in 1990:
population
"I hope to share experiences
9,667
Portage
that will sensitize the government
Portage
38% growth
13,341
to the ongoing
0.11
no
Summit
13.83%
needs of the
Summit
21% growth
58,997
elderly poor.
71,214
Medina
"I hope to
8,067
14.41%
advocate for
Medina
47% growth
National
24.3
Stark
11,860
continuing the
population
percent
STATE
42,321
gowth
Wayne
11,63%)
Older Ameri-
Stark
25% growth
62,971
cans Act, and
Ohio
Ohio
12.6%
against cutting
9,301
population
20.38
meaningful
Wayne
27% growth
growth
percent
National
11,803
programs such
SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio Department of Aging Knight Ridder
as the Foster
JAMEE TANNER/ Beacon Journal
Myrtle Peters
Grandparent
Program, the Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program, and the Senior
the country. These include older
Companion Program."
adults as mentors for children and
TAKING PART
- Myrtle Peters, Akron, direc-
their parents in high-risk families,
tor of Akron's Foster Grandparent
as mentors for first-time juvenile
To attend the preconference: Ohio's pre-
5500. Registration deadline is April 5.
Programs. appointed by Gov.
offenders, as tutors, and as staff
conference for the National White House Con-
To attend the conference: There are 250
George Voinovich.
members in day care centers.
ference on Aging will be held April 13 in Co-
"observer seats" available at the conference
lumbus. Topics to be discussed are health
"These programs have enjoyed
at the Washington (D.C.) Hilton. For more in-
"Many important focus issues,
care, crime, economic security, transportation
a high success rate, with benefits
formation, contact Shirley Cohen, (202) 245
ranging from health care to crime
and housing.
for both the young and the old. In a
7826.
Results will be carried to the White House
and personal
time of decreasing funding, vanish-
Conference.
To watch the conference: It will be broad-
safety, will be
ing resources and an approaching
The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m.
cast by satellite. The specific channel will be
discussed. I
intergenerational 'war' based on the
to 4 p.m. at the Aladdin Temple, 3850 Stelzer
designated shortly before the conference. For
feel that one of
use of funds as Social Security, in-
Road. To register for the free conference, call
more information, call Mike Callahan at 1:
the most im-
tergenerational programs provide
the Ohio Department of Aging, (614) 4466-
800-800-2372.
portant focus
an alternative approach that may
areas includes
pacify many, bringing together gen-
inter-genera-
erations united as one caring na-
The needs of the nation's elders will be
tional issues.
tion."
As delegates
addressed at the White House Conference on
- Merie Griff, Canton, direc-
develop policy
tor, McKinley Centre Intergenera-
Aging, May 2-5. Five delegates from the region
recommenda-
Nancy Likens
tional Project, appointed by Rep.
tions for any
will attend. Pass your thoughts to them by
Ralph Regula.
important aging issue, we must
answering the following question:
consider the impact on all genera-
tions.
"I will carry to the conference
The message that I am hearing
the following concerns:
from local older adults, as well as
"Economic security - protect-
What should President Clinton know
older Americans across the nation,
ing the long-term viability of Social
about the problems facing senior citizens
emphasizes the importance of pro-
Security, dis-
In our region?
grams and services that address
continuing gov-
the needs of the entire family.
Please type or print your answer and limit it to
ernmental bor-
"1 hope that I have the opportu-
the space provided.
rowing from
nity to work on shaping policy that
the Social Se-
will strengthen the family, because
curity fund,
strong families produce strong
and leaving
members, young and old alike.'
the surpluses
- Nancy Likens, Wadsworth,
intact to ade-
executive director, Medina County
quately fund
Office for Older Adults, appointed
present and fu-
by Voinovich.
ture recipients.
Anne Nixon
"Health
"One of my main concerns will
care - protecting Medicare, to-
be intergenerational programming.
gether with the need for access to
Tell The President
It was once said that the way we
affordable and quality health care,
Akron Beacon Journal
treat our chil-
including long-term care. Also, in-
Mail your
dren in the
44 E. Exchange St.
Mail your coupon
creasing the emphasis on preventa-
response to:
dawning of
P.O. Box 640
by March 28.
tive health programs.
their lives and
Akron, Ohio 44309
the way that
"Housing - keeping Ohio's
we treat our
Passport program (for elderly home
Those who cannot write due to physical problems may call
elders in the
care) open year-round, without a
the delegates at the following numbers:
twilight of their
waiting list, increased supportive
lives is the
services, such as transportation
Anne Nixon
and home delivery of meals.
Myrtle Peters
784-8565
mark of the
(work) 996-4030
quality of a na-
"Quality of life - continued edu-
(home) 535-2423
Nancy Likens
tion.
cation, advocacy and service to pro-
723-9514
Merle Griff
"Intergen-
mote independence, dignity and
Margaret Olds
336-6657
erational programs bring together
purpose for older people.
he young and old in ongoing rela-
- Anne Nixon, Akron, lead vol-
Call by
4182
(work) 633-7814
225-7100
ionships that foster understanding.
unteer for Area 5 of the American
March
(home) 945-4327
Merle Griff
They taken many forms in pilot
Association of Retired Persons,
Keep your messages brief
456-1014
cograms. such as ours. throughout
appointed by Voinovich.
The Beacon Journal
the country for molths, attending
It was the least productive, result-
GOALS
pre-conference foruns such as last
ing in only the 1983 Social-Security
month's Cleveland summit on
reforms.
aging, which drew 1,000 partici-
This year's conference is the
pants, making it one of the largest
first that will have an intergenera-
turnouts in the country.
tional theme, Blancato added.
Health care, housing
"We're in an envionment where
"We're trying to put out the
are critical subjects
there may not be the ability to put
word that it's a conference on the
forward a series of najor new ini-
aging, not the aged." To convey this
tiatives (but to) takea look at what
message, 15 youth delegates will
Continued from Page B1
is out there and male it better," he
attend the conference, he said.
said.
Blancato said he hopes the con-
deficit are now being tossed around
The first White House Confer-
ference will help dispel the belief
like so many bean bags.
ence on Aging was eld in 1961. It
that there is a mounting intergener-
For instance, the Senate un-
is widely considered the most sig-
ational war over entitlements.
veiled another deficit-reduction plan
nificant, as it resulted in the cre-
"We need to put a coalition to-
on Monday, one that would include
ation of Medicare and Medicaid,
gether that goes to bat for the
braking Medicare's growth and cut-
prompted states to establish com-
needy of both groups," he said.
ting cost-of-living increases to So-
missions on aging, aid was respon-
Conference topics were formu-
cial Security beneficiaries.
sible for the Older Americans Act,
lated after a series of several hun-
"
Everything's on the table,
establishing the federal Administra-
dred pre-conference meetings. The
everything's being challenged in the
tion on Aging. Also, the conference
four main issues will be:
interest of change," conference di-
resulted in more subsidized hous-
Assuring comprehensive
rector Bob Blancato said in a tele-
ing and transportation for older
health care, including long-term
phone interview from Washington.
Americans.
care.
Blancato has been criss-crossing
Conferences have been held
Promoting economic security.
each decade. The last held in 1981,
Maximizing housing and sup-
was strained because it was jointly
port service options.
planned by the administrations of
Maximizing options for a quali-
Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
ty life.
Akron
A bad year for miracles?
3/16/95
Conference on Aging achieved major goals in past,
at the confer-
ence, sending
THE
but new climate may dictate more modest objectives
61 delegates,
including five
BY KATHERINE SPITZ
federal policies affecting older
from the area.
REGION
Beacon Journal staff writer
Americans, including the formation
The discus-
America is getting older and its
of Medicaid and Medicare.
sion at this
money is getting tighter.
Such issues are particularly im-
year's confer-
Five area dele-
The first of the Baby Boomers
portant to some parts of this region.
ence comes at
gates to give input
will turn 50 next year, and there is
In most areas, the growth of the 65-
a time when
at aging meeting.
record growth in the nation's 85-
plus population has surpassed the
the political cli-
Page B3.
plus population. At the same time,
national average.
mate has dras-
Medicare and Social Security cuts
Between 1980 and 1990, that
tically
are being pitched in Congress.
growth was 24.3 percent. But the
changed. Although the White House
All this makes it a crucial time
rate was nearly double in Medina
conference is bipartisan, and was
for the century's final White House
County, making it the highest in the
planned before November's Repub-
Conference on Aging, being held
region. The lowest in the region
lican landslide, ideas to shrink the
May 2-5.
was Summit County, at 20 percent.
Past conferences have led to
Ohio will be heavily represented
See GOALS, Page B5
Pittsburgh PA 3/16/95
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Health care, Social
Security hot topics
at aging conference
WASHINGTON (AP) - More
tion on Social Security and its
than 2,250 people are preparing for
integrity, and I believe there will
a three-day debate that will influ-
be a special concentration on the
ence the federal government's role
need to assist the rapidly increased
in a process no one escapes regard-
number of grandparents providing
less of their politics - getting
care for grandchildren."
older.
Grandparents provide full-time
As in previous years, health
care for 3 million American chil-
care, income security and housing
dren, he said, at times because of
top the agenda at the fourth White
divorce or. the imprisonment of one
House Conference on Aging in
parent. Grandparents also provide
Washington in May.
primary day care for 2 million
But don't assume the conference
more children.
will focus only on people over 55,
"The problem is that state and
said Robert Blancato, the event's
federal laws have not kept up with
executive director.
this phenomenon," Blancato said.
Discussions will touch on
Many of this year's topics were
employment, mental health and
developed during more than 700
child care as well as retirement and
pre-conference events, including a
healthy living, he said.
November forums on risk-free
"This is a White House confer-
exercises for the elderly in
ence on aging, not a White House
Louisville, Ky., and a discussion on
conference on the aged. The topics
the lives of rural senior citizens in
are very comprehensive and broad.
Hudson, N.Y., in December.
They impact more than just the
Ideas proposed during the first
older population," said Blancato, a
Conference on Aging in 1961 played
former president of the national
an important role in the creation of
Wheels on Meals program and a
Medicaid and Medicare, Torres-Gil
former staff director for the House
said. The Older Americans Act was
Select Committee on Aging.
passed and amendments to Social
"It's about redefining defining
Security laws were approved, pro-
images of aging, productivity,
viding more benefits.
training, having a second career,
After the 1971 conference, Con-
having a third career, education,
gress increased Social Security
volunteering," said Fernando Tor-
benefits by 20 percent and estab-
res-Gil, head of the Health and
lished cost-of-living escalators. The
Human Services Department's
federal government also began a
Administration on Aging.
national nutrition program for the
"It will include some issues such
elderly and created the Supplemen-
as support systems, how one relies
tal Social Security Income pro-
on friends, neighbors and relatives
gram.
so as not to be lonely or alone," Tor-
Social Security reforms followed
res-Gil said. "We'll be talking about
the 1981 conference, which was
what it means to live a good, long
planned by the Reagan and Carter
life and have a measure of indepen-
administrations.
dence."
This year, conference organizers
Delegates are still working on
agreed to increase the number of
specific proposals. But as in previ-
delegates from 2,000 to 2,259
ous conferences, ideas approved by
because of last November's Repub-
delegates could find their way into
lican sweep of Congress, confer-
new federal programs, policies and
ence spokesman Bryan Preston
laws.
said.
This year's political fight over a
Most of the delegates were cho-
proposed balanced budget amend-
sen by the nation's governors, con-
ment to the Constitution probably
gressmen and senators. Activists
will make Social Security and
groups, including aging and veter-
Medicare hot topics, organizers
ans organizations, also selected
said.
delegates as did the White House
"I think the discussion will
and the Health and Human Ser-
include the need to establish a
vices Department.
home- and community-based long
We got caregivers. acade-
term health care system," Blancato
mics, professionals in the field and
said. "I think there's strong inter
folks that are simply senior citi-
est among delegates for reaffirma
zens," Preston said.
Las Vegas, NV
SUN
Las Vegas
Met Area
Thursday
D 53,926
MAR 16, 1995
P3954
LUCE
PRESS CLIPPINGS
12 to attend aging conference
SUN CAPITAL BUREAU
Commission on Aging
CARSON CITY - Gov. Bob
Others from Clark County are
Miller has named 12 people,
Evelyn McColl, a retired deputy
eight of them from Clark County,
health officer for Clark County;
as delegates to the White House
Dalton Wellman, a co-founder of
Aging Conference in May.
the Nevada Seniors Coalition;
Leo Wilner, former executive
Those from Southern Nevada
director of Temple Beth Sholom;
are Thelma Clark, a lobbyist
and Suzanne Ernst, head of the
for seniors and mobile home
state Aging Division
residents; Patricia Duncombe,
Delegates from outside Clark
co-founder of Lend-A-Hand;
County are Harry Clemons of
Albert Johns, president and
Reno and Alice Brown, both
founder of the National Council
of Reno, Dorothy Phillips of
of Senior Citizens; and Thomas
Caliente and Charles Knight of
Leigh, a member of the Nevada
Elko.
Citusville Herald
Cooling
Partly sunny today.
High 45 to 50.
Tonight,
partly
cloudy. Low 25 to 30.
Sunday, mostly
cloudy with a 40 per-
cent chance of show-
iblished June 14, 1865. Oldest Daily Newspaper in Northwestern Pennsylvania
ers. High around 50.
SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 18, 1995
35 CENTS
Aging Conference Held Here
Clinger Says Event Will Help
To Form White House Policy
by JON SHERMAN
represented.
Herald Staff Writer
Also speaking was Robert
Blancato, executive director of
Myth: All senior citizens
the White House Conference on
love to babysit their grand-
Aging.
children.
Clinger, chairman of the
Reality: Some do, some don't.
House Government Reform and
Oversight Committee, began his
Myth: All senior citizens
remarks by commenting he was
want nothing more than to
"delighted to be out of the pres-
retire to Florida.
sure cooker of the 100 days and
Reality: Some do, some don't
out in the real world."
Clinger explained that the
Posters such as this greeted
White House Conference on Ag-
the approximately 200 residents
ing will develop the national ag.
from 11 counties who attended
ing policy for the next 10 years
"Myths of Aging," a recognized
Similar conferences took place in
White House Conference on Ag-
1961, 1971 and 1981.
ing mini-conference Friday at
"The ideas implemented at
Cross Creek Resort.
the conference will impact the
The Northwest Pennsylvania
new millennium," said Clinger.
SPEAKERS AT CONFERENCE - Robert Blancato (1),
RSVP Directors' Network hosted
The term "aging" at first
executive director of the 1995 White House Conference on
the event, one of many held
seems to refer only to the el-
Aging, and U.S. Rep. William Clinger (R-5) were among the
around the country in anticipa-
derly, but Clinger pointed out
tion of the official White House
that everyone is aging, and that
speakers at the Mini-White House Conference on Aging,
Conference on Aging to take
this is a component of the con-
"Myths of Aging," held Friday at Cross Creek Resort. It was
place in Washington, D.C., in
ference.
sponsored by the Northwest Pennsylvania RSVP Directors'
"This is what we're after,"
Network. Information gathered at this, and other, mini-
May.
Keynote speaker for the con-
said Clinger, "the interdepen-
conferences will be presented at the White House Conference
ference was U.S. Rep. William
dence of generations. The inter-
which will map out the country's aging policy for the next 10
Clinger (R-5), whose district in-
action is important between old
years. (Herald photo by Jon Sherman)
cludes nine of the 11 counties
See AGING page two
-aging-
and young."
audience.
Country Club set," said Clinger.
percent of the 58,000 who at-
Clinger outlined the impor-
"There's going to be less
tance of mini-conferences such
"They're going after Wall Street
tended were 55 years of age or
mandating and more listening to
and Main Street. It's a 'take no
older.
as the one held at Cross Creek
people," Clinger said.
prisoners' attitude."
Calling attention to the
provides "grassroots" input to-
Speaking of the Senior Citi-
ward the final decisions made at
Continuing, he noted, "This
theme, "Myths of Aging," Blan-
zens Equity Act, Clinger noted
Congress came to do what's
cato said it is important to "give
the White House Conference.
there are several objectives:
right, even if it means their re-
a better balance to how older
"Too many of us at the fed-
Provide more equitable taxa-
election. If they lose, they have
people are perceived."
eral level," said Clinger, "Have
tion.
the satisfaction of knowing they
gotten the idea that if an idea
Too often, he said, the media
Increase the earnings limit
did the right thing. People may
didn't originate in Washington
(especially the national media)
so seniors can work without los-
not like what we're doing, but
it couldn't be any good. We're
have given a misrepresentation
ing Social Security benefits.
we will be passing some pretty
learning, though, that the best
of senior citizens as "greedy
Repeal the tax increase on
profound legislation."
suggestions come from the bot-
geezers" and coming across as
Social Security benefits.
Following his address,
tom up."
cantankerous.
Make available private,
Clinger was asked if it were
Clinger took time in his re-
He mentioned the tens of
long-term health care insurance.
necessary for Congress to dis-
marks to discuss several aspects
thousands of seniors who are
Speaking of the aim to wipe
continue its funding to public
of the "revolution" under way
out the federal deficit by 2002,
leading productive lives as vol-
television.
on Capitol Hill.
unteers.
Clinger said attempts are being
He pointed out that the fed-
One of the objectives, he
made to avoid "raiding" Social
eral government only supplied
Clinger was asked whether
said, is to "re-define" the rela-
Security and "absolutely slash-
15 percent of the funding for
cost-of-living allowances could
tionship between the federal,
ing" Medicare.
public television.
be eliminated not give people
state and local governments.
"Social Security is the ulti-
"Nowadays," he explained,
less, just don't give them more.
"We want to take more of the
mate safety net," Clinger as-
"there is a variety of cable sta-
decision-making process away
serted.
tions which carry quality pro-
Clinger replied it was a good
from Washington," Clinger said.
While saying he is "sensitive"
gramming. Public broadcasting is
suggestion, noting that COLAs
A "cornerstone" of the new
to the "Draconian" effect Medi-
no longer alone in providing a
are not expected by those in the
Congress is block grants and the
care cuts would have, Clinger
high level of programs, Clinger
private sector.
end of unfunded mandates.
pointed out that if nothing is
said.
Throughout the day, there
"We want to preserve the in-
done, Medicare will be insolvent
Clinger, Blancato, Rep. Scott
were workshops on topics such
tegrity of health and safety pro-
by 2001. The Social Security
Hutchinson and Jorina Ahmed,
grams at the local level, rather
as "Cognitive Functioning and
trust fund will be depleted by
state director of the Corporation
Role Behaviors," "Sexuality and
than through bureaucrats push-
2029, just about the time the
for National and Community
ing paper," the congressman
Personality Characteristics,"
Baby Boomers are reaching re-
Service, presided at a news con-
stated.
"Employability and New Ageism"
tirement age.
"Local people know better the
ference held after Clinger's ad-
and "Social Involvement and
"This is the most daunting
dress.
people they serve." Clinger
Portrayal in Advertising/Media."
challenge facing congressmen,"
added that one aim of health
Blancato was appointed exec-
said Clinger.
utive director of the White
In addition to Clinger and
care reform is to try to lower
Among the budget-cutting
House Conference on Aging by
Hutchinson, other lawmakers in
costs through insurance reform
measures Clinger mentioned are
President Bill Clinton.
attendance were Rep. Teresa
and the reduction of paperwork.
"significant" cuts in corporate
Blancato commented that of
Brown and Fred McIlhattan
The school lunch program is
subsidies. "This current
the 750 similar mini-conferences
representing state Sens. John
not "dead," Clinger assured the
Congress does not represent the
held throughout the country, 65
Peterson and Tim Shaffer.
P1350
LUCE
PRESS CLIPPINGS
Aging conference in May will cover important issues
By CASSANDRA BURRELL
topics are very comprehensive
Delegates are still working on
Grandparents provide full-time
amendments to Social Security
congressmen and senators. Ac
Associated Press Writer
and broad. They impact more
specific proposals. But as in
care for 3 million American chil-
laws were approved, providing
tivists groups, including aging
WASHINGTON - More than
than just the older population,"
previous conferences, ideas ap-
dren, he said, at times because of
more penefits.
and veterans' organizations, also
2,250 people are preparing for a
said Blancato, a former president
proved by delegates could find
divorce or the imprisonment of
After the 1971 conference, Con-
selected delegates as did the
three-day debate that will influ-
of the national Wheels on Meals
their way into new federal pro-
one parent. Grandparents also
gress increased Social Security
White House and the Health and
ence the federal government's
program and a former staff direc-
grams, policies and laws.
provide primary day care for 2
benefits by 20 percent and estab-
Human Services Department.
role in a process no one escapes
tor for the House Select Commit-
This year's political fight over a
million more children.
lished cost-of-living escalators.
"We've got caregivers, academ
regardless of their politics -
tee on Aging.
proposed balanced budget
"The problem is that state and
The federal government also be-
ics, professionals in the field and
getting older.
"It's about redefining defining
amendment to the Constitution
federal laws have not kept up
gan a national nutrition program
folks that are simply senior citi
As in previous years, health
images of aging, productivity,
probably will make Social Securi-
with this phenomenon," Blanca-
for the elderly and created the
zens," Preston said. "We really
care, income security and hous-
training, having a second career,
ty and Medicare hot topics, or-
to said.
Supplemental Social Security In-
have a wide variety based on who
ing top the agenda at the fourth
having a third career, education,
ganizers said.
Many of this year's topics were
come program.
chose them."
White House Conference on Ag-
volunteering," said Fernando
"I think the discussion will
developed during more than 700
Social Security reforms fol-
Because of its population, Call-
ing in Washington in May.
Torres-Gil, head of the Health
include the need to establish a
pre-conference events, including
lowed|the 1981 conference, which
fornia is sending the largest
But don't assume the confer-
and Human Services Depart-
home- and community-based
a November forums on risk-free
was planned by the Reagan and
delegation - 129. American Sa-
ence will focus only on people
ment's Administration on Aging.
long-term health care system,"
exercises for the elderly in Louis-
Carter administrations.
moa and Guam are sending three
over 55, said Robert Blancato,
"It will include some issues
Blancato said. "I think there's
ville, Ky., and a discussion on the
This year, conference organiz-
each.
the event's executive director.
such as support systems, how
strong interest among delegates
lives of rural senior citizens in
ers agreed to increase the num-
"Each delegation must be 50
Discussions will touch on em-
one relies on friends, neighbors
for reaffirmation on Social Secur-
Hudson, N.Y., in December.
ber of delegates from 2,000 to
percent senior citizens, and we
ployment, mental health and
and relatives so as not to be
ity and its integrity, and I believe
Ideas proposed during the first
2,259 because of last November's
define senior citizens as people
child care as well as retirement
lonely or alone," Torres-Gil said.
there will be a special concentra-
Conference on Aging in 1961
Republican sweep of Congress,
55 and older," Preston said.
and healthy living, he said.
"We'll be talking about what it
tion on the need to assist the
played an important role in the
conference spokesman Bryan
"Each must be at least 50
"This is a White House confer-
means to live a good, long life and
rapidly increased number of
creation of Medicaid and Medi-
Preston said.
percent women and must reflect
ence on aging, not a White House
have a measure of independ-
grandparents providing care for
care, Torres-Gil said. The Older
Most of the delegates were
the state - meaning minorities,
conference on the aged. The
ence."
grandchildren."
Americans Act was passed and
chosen by the nation's governors,
urban, rural," he said.
02
THE UNION LEADER. Manchaster
A
18
Governor Appoints
Conference Delegates
Gov. Stephen Merrill has ap-
Susanne Hovling, director, Pel-
poined 11 delegates to represent
ham Senior Center; Cecelia M.
New Hampshire at the 1995
Mozden of Claremont, director,
White House Conference on Ag-
AARP; Constance Strome of Con-
ing to be held May 2.5 at the
toocook and Kathleen Sgambati
Washington Hilton and Towers
of Tilton, assistant commissioner,
Hotel
NH Department of Health and
He has also named 11 altor.
Human Services
nate delegates.
Also, former state senstor and
Heading the state delegation
Globe Manufacturing official,
as coordinator is Hamilton & Put-
George Freese, U.S. of Pittsfield:
nam of Concord, member of the
Roger Vachon of Lebanon, area
State Committee on Aging.
coordinator, NH Division of El-
The group represents the
derly and Adult Services: Donald
state's disabled, veterans, senior
Miner of Concord, a former legis-
citizens, lawmakers, the profes.
lator and now active in Merri-
sions and those with proven re-
mack County Senior Citizens
cords of service for the elderly.
groups; Weston Gardner of Plym-
outh Senior Center and member
Gov. Merrill's delegate ap-
pointees Include:
State Committee on Aging and
Robert F. Wilson, MD, of Mad-
State Sen. Eleanor Podles and
bury, a former legislator and re-
State Rep. Frances Filey, both of
dred Dover physician.
Manchester; May Casten of Der-
ry, a former mayor, legislator and
NH members of Congress
new chairman of the State Com-
have appointed the following del-
mittee on Aging; Norma P. St.
egates:
Germain of Hampton, who serves
Set Judd Gregg: Forrest D.
on the legislative committee of
McKerley of Penacook, president
the American Association of Re-
of the McKerley Health Care Cen-
tired Persons and Irene Domini
ters, Inc:
of Charlestown, a former legis-
Sen. Robert Smith: Manchester
lator and member of the State
businessman Stephen N. Ma-
Committee on Aging.
thieu;
Also, Margaret Mary Mongan
Rep. William Zeliff, Jr.: Ted Lee
of Manchester, former Depart-
of Manchester; and
ment of Health and Human Serv-
Rep. Charles Bass: Bruce Sower
ices commissioner and now
by of Peterboro.
administrator of the Hillcrest
Terrace Retirement Center in the
Before he left office. former
Queen City: Ronaid Adcock of
Rep. Richard Runt4 appointed
Concord, director, State Division
Patricia Russell of Keene.
of Elderly and Adult Services;
There will be 2,259 delegates
Raymond K. Conley Jr. of Sand
to the conference, appointed by
wich, a former state senator and
the nation's governors, members
now chairman of the State Com-
of Congress. President Clinton,
mission on Disability; Conred V.
the District of Columbia, Puerto
Moran of Manchester, director,
State Veterans Council and Rich-
Rico, American Samoa, Guam,
the Virgin Islands, Palau and the
ard A. Chevrefils of Concord, di-
Commonwealth of the Northern
rector, State Divison of Human
Services.
Mariana Islands.
Merrill's alternate delegate
The goal of the conference is
appointees include:
to provide resolutions is influ-
ence national aging policy and to
Arlene Kershaw of Manches-
develop & blueprint for action to
ter, manager of the Nashua
have them implemented This
Southern NH Regional Medical
conference, the last one for this
Center 66Plus program; Joan'T.
Doran of New London. member,
century. will have an imact on ag-
ing concerns Into the 81st Cen-
Keersage Area Council on Aging:
tury.
The Sun Herald
Mississippi 3/23/95-
lodge manager
firms and 150 brokers at 15 re-
;ountry Cajun
gional firms.
Crawfish Fest
WASHINGTON OFFICIAL CALLS FOR BROADER REFORM TO HELP AGING
Among the findings:
Twenty-six percent of pro-
Marquee
By NAN PATTON EHRBRIGHT
people.
This
year
"Ultimately, we are talking about
"We feel that's a prescription for
spective women customers heard
THE SUN HERALD
INSIDE
marks the 30th
dismantling Medicaid, he said. "The
testimonials such as "I have in-
addressing the concerns of an aging
BILOXI - One of the country's
anniversary of the
answer is not to reduce funds. but
vested in this stock myself."
, nn & Abby B-6
society where all of us have a stake,
Legals
C-3
Older Americans
E ridge B-6
experts on public policy issues involv-
he said. "Aging affects everything
to get control of health care costs
Among males, 10 percent heard
Act, which is up
the tactic.
Movies > B-2
Obituaries C-2
ing the aging says 1995 will be a
housing, transportation, long-term
throughout the private sector. Ulti-
E usiness D-5
for reauthoriza-
( lassifieds C-4
critical year for anyone interested in
mately, it's the public who is going to
Women were more than twice
Opinion A-8,9
care, health, crime. We are preparing
those issues.
tion in Congress.
( omics B-7
for the next century, when all of us
have to demand a broader approach to
as likely not to be asked about
Puzzles C-6
F Y.I. C-2
That means everybody, according
It's also a year
reform."
TV B-6
hope to be older."
their investment history, which is
when Americans
to Fernando M. Torres-Gil, assistant
Torres-Gil said it's also time to
Torres-Gil was keynote speaker at
important in determining suitabil-
secretary for aging in the U.S. De-
the 10th annual Mississippi Joint Con-
Torres-Gll
are worried about
make better use of older Americans
ity of different financial packages.
what the Republi-
partment of Health and Human
ference on Aging which began
as "one of our greatest untapped
A.G. Edwards scored best
can-controlled Congress may do to
Services.
resources.'
Wednesday and ends Friday at the
among national firms with 81:61
Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Thirteen percent of the American
Treasure Bay Resort Hotel
People who lived through the De-
out of a possible 100. Dean Witter
Torres-Gil opposes proposals to
population today is 65 or older, Tor-
"Quality of Life: Challenges of Ag-
pression, World War II and the Cold
Reynolds ranked second.
switch programs to block grants with
res-Gil said. By the year 2020, that
mg in a Changing Society" is the con-
War, he said, have talents, values and
Among regional firms, Missou-
98256 00006
options for the states to provide
7
5
figure will double to about 70 million
ference theme.
lessons to pass on to future
ri-based Edward D. Jones & Co,
matching funds.
generations.
was first.
8276-215 E12
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gathering place in Biloxi
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3/23/95
THESUNHERALD
1995 T
SERVING THE MISSISSIPPI COAST SINCE 1824
Val. 111. No.
What Mississippians will take to the White House Conference on Aging
Anger boilir
DE
over in Hou
NEWS
Headed to Washington
as welfare I
hotly debate
By JENNIFER DIXON
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
For moi 9
in 20 y. ars,
WASHINGTON - St
arren E
erupted in the House on И
wnsen I
day as Democrats bitterly
S spen
majority Republicans of u
Jch of S
ram through a mean-spirit
ne doin I
fare overhaul bill, in the h
, jobs big
floor fight yet over the
di smal
"Contract With America."
at the at
Den
tion
Breakfast
accus
could end at
GOP O
ownse id
cruel I
work W en
Long Beach,
dren a
29th a nu-
6
laging
and. Th
progra
/ Magn lia
pay for a tax cut for the priv
in to a er-
They decried GOP tactics i
ant CO tri-
Frances R.
ing the far-reaching bill tow
Shoemaker of
actment. The bill shrinks
orked the
Jackson County
spending by $66 billion.
of the V. rter-
picks up a pre-
Anti-abortion Republica
Center or
scription from
Democrats tried to derail
startec as a
pharmacist
earlier in the day. but los
, Salva on
Woody Gamble
handful of votes, 217-211.
ne the
at Calvert-Gam-
Soon after, tempers boil
aplain nd
ble Pharmacy
as Republicans grouped 1.
on Pass Road
11 amendments, including
in Biloxi. Health
volving abortion, and
care is one of
scaled back the debate.
the primary con-
"Will you get these high
cems being
members to sit down and S
tting
discussed at the
You all sit down and shut
1995 Mississip-
down and shut up, Rep. S:
pl Joint Confer-
bons, D-Fla, roared at the
ence on Aging
ing officer.
The conference,
Rep. Jim McCrery, R-i
scheduled
terrupted, asking, "Is pet:
eal
through Friday,
proper form of behavior
is being held at
member of Congress?"
the Treasure
"I will be as petulant as I
Bay Resort
be," Gibbons boomed baci
Hotel.
complained that the legist
and
mean to children. Repu
booed.
Health care, economic security among concerns
"Boo if you want to, make
out of yourselves if you "
LEWS
Let em boo, Mr. Sp
By KAT BERGEROW
Jane Kennedy of Southern Mississippi Area Agency on
said Gibbons.
m
THE SUN HERALD
Aging and one of the national delegates explained:
In a senes of votes after
in
BILOXI When Mississippi delegates go to the White
"We need to help educate these delegates, " Kennedy
day of angry debate, the
said. "Let's think of the entire society as an aging society.
approved amendments the
House Conference on Aging in May, they will highlight
19
It's wonderful to have luxuries like senior citizens' center.
elderly Mississippians' concerns about access to health
Phalange Word
allow the savings from the
care and home services, nutrition, economic security, job
But let's promote healthy lifestyles. We need to help
haul, an estimated $66 bil
opportunities, affordable housing and quality of life.
people remain independent.'
be used to pay for tax cuts,
95
The delegates preliminary report, written after months
Each state is holding similar conferences, and all the
prohibit federal welfare fund
of local and regional meetings with thousands of citizens,
delegates will convene in six weeks in Washington. The
being spent on abortions f.
number of delegates IS determined by the 55-plus popula-
women.
was presented Wednesday afternoon to about 400 people
tion in each state.
at the 1995 Mississippi Joint Conference on Aging at
Lawmakers also agreed
Treasure Bay Resort Hotel.
The White House Conference on Aging is a federally
per a ban on cash aid to unr
Some spoke up to ask the delegates to include other
mandated event that has occurred about every 10 years
teen-age mothers, and to
ISLATT RE
since 1961. The last one in 1981 is credited with the Age
dren born to women aire.
concerns, such as safety, transportation, more involve-
ed by im-
ment of churches and better use of existing funds.
Discrimination in Employment Act, Social Security reform
Dr. John Atwood
welfare, by allowing such 1
home,
and expanded home care programs.
to receive vouchers for 1)
"What we're doing today is very important as we send
our messages from Mississippi to Washington, from our
Having their say
chase of diapers and
necessities.
signed this
house to the White House," said Eddie Anderson, state
Considered a grassroots effort because it begins at local
$3 mil on
director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services.
levels and ends in Washington, this week's conference is
project after
The 60-plus population in Mississippi increased from
attended by a mixture of interested citizens, those in the
to ge the
392,605 in the 1980 to 427,996 in the 1990 census. Of
health care and aging industries, ministers and others.
Audit: Brok
Hard son,
those, 27 percent are poor, 60 percent are women, 52
Those in the audience heard a small amount of speech-
Beauv if,
percent are rural and 17 percent disabled.
making and lot of heartfelt comments by those who took to
snub women
emiere
The preliminary report points out that, although some
the microphone.
George Jobe
Ve've pt a
of the aged have gained ground over the past 10 years,
"What I say comes from self-experience,' said Phalange
original
many older citizens still need assistance.
scripts f
Word of Greenville. "What we need to do is consider aging
By THE ASSOCIATED PRES
"Older people set standards of excellence for succeed-
from birth because if we don't our children, the baby-
ring th
ing generations," said Anna Marie Barnes, health and
SAN FRANCISCO Ar.
boomers children and their children will be in the same
membe S.
human services advisor to the governor.
cover audit of 21 stock broil
predicament that we are.
lavis a di
"This IS our opportunity to influence the national policy
"If you do not prepare for aging when you are young,
show they failed to provide
arence:
on aging."
customers with vital infor
you will be sacrificed.'
rven to IS
On to Washington
Several, including Dr. John Atwood at the U.S. Naval
they gave men, the San Fr
Twenty-three delegates and 13 alternates have com-
Retirement Home in Gulfport, asked the delegates to
Chronicle reported Wedne
and mx
piled the eight-page report after holding 19 smaller confer-
concentrate on existing funding.
Roscoe Word Jr.
The nationwide survey
1-2
Francisco-based Prophet
ences across the state. This week's conference, which
Research & Consulting L
DAY
runs through Friday, is the grand finale before a final
Please see
Aging,
Back Page
150 brokers at the top SIX I
report is ready to take to Washington.
firms and 150 brokers at
gional firms.
WASHINGTON OFFICIAL CALLS FOR BROADER REFORM TO HELP AGING
Among the findings:
Twenty-six percent
Several touched on the need of the
The conferees indicated that Vikki
ployee, and some indicated they al-
state's religious efforts to turn to the
Pilecki, of Greenwood, who repre-
ready had.
older citizen.
sented the North Central Area Agen-
"When you go out and see some-
Aging
"Churches in our communities
cy on Aging, hit the nail on the head
one eating dog food," Poleckie said,
need to get involved in Mission Mis-
when she turned to the delegates and
"and when you see what's in their
Continued from A-1
sissippi," summed up the Rev. James
asked them to visit the needy elderly.
refrigerators or how they can't pay
R. Johnson, a former state aging
The delegates are a diverse group,
for medication, then you'll have some-
director.
"My message is to fight for what
from a judge to a nursing home em-
thing to take to Washington."
we have and to ensure that the funds
will be used for what they are sup-
posed to be used for," he said.
Paul Cotten of William Carey Col-
lege and also president of the Missis-
sippi Gerontology Society, pleaded
for equity between mental and physi-
cal health for older citizens. Sister
Delores Coleman of de l' Epee Deaf
Center on the Coast asked that the
elderly hearing impaired not be over-
looked. Barbara Byrne of Natchez
asked that transportation be a priority
in a fast aging. society,
Several wanted the delegates to
send the message to Washington to
stop bi-partisan bickering and publica-
tion of half-truths.
"I have a concern about what I see
as a spirit of divisiveness in our media
and in our halls of Congress," said
George Jobe of Biloxi, AARP's new
state director. "That puts the youn-
ger people against the older people,
males against females, and blacks
against whites when what we need is
unity.
"So carry the torch for us to Wash-
ington with that message. Lord
knows our country needs it."
A loud round of applause followed,
as it did when Roscoe Word Jr., a
delegate from Clarksdale, said:
"The problems I have seen in our
nursing home business happen be-
cause you can't take away the human
element. Care starts at home. How
many holidays have I seen no family
visit our patients.
"You cannot give an injection of
love."
sale
with all animals
- and has la te
hes
re
them. Two stray
near the Burger R
spent time at the
Southern Connecticut State University.
When she bro
Hartford, CT
The senior citizens' priorities, in order
Charlotte, she rea
were health care, home care, housing legal
Courant
Hartford Mat Area
CHESHIRE
Friday
D 232.013
Senior citizens prepare list of needs
Continued from Page B1
MAR 24, 1995
the Danbury Senior
Attending the forum was
Center, a state delegation alternate
N1688
Leo McIllrath of the
to the White House conference.
LUCE
"Coming from you, it is most im-
Danbury Senior Center
a
PRESS CLIPPINGS
portant,' he said. "We really want
state delegation
to hear from you.'
State Rep. Mary Fritz, D-Walling-
alternate.
Senior citizens list
ford, agreed that senior citizens
have to be heard, especially at a
time when state and national lead-
state must better ensure that some
ers are proposing extensive budget
elderly are not driving when they
needs in Cheshire
cuts.
should not be.
Later, during round-table discus-
"I think it can become a very seri-
sions devoted to separate issues, the
ous problem. [For some,] it's Rus-
participants continued their discus-
sian roulette every trip," said
sions
Keane, a board of education mefn-
By GARY LIBOW
ber.
Courant. Staff Writer
Southern Connecticut State University.
Senior citizen Marge Tobin called
The senior citizens' priorities, in order
transportation a key, saying that
Senior citizen Pat Coyle was also
CHESHIRE - Health and home care were
were health care, home care, housing legal
without buses subsidized by the
outspoken, recommending that
the top priorities of local senior citizens and
rights, transportation, safety, senior center
town many elderly would be totally
housing for senior citizens should
services and mental health.
at a loss.
include stall showers, and that the
Thursday. area providers during a conference on aging
town construct a better sidewalk
The care providers set the order of priori-
ties as health care, home care, safety, senior
You're,cut off from here [the
system.
There was standing room only at the sen-
senior center]," she said. "You're
center services, housing, transportation, le-
"The town should put in side-
ior center as about 80 senior citizens and
cut off from the doctor."
gal rights and mental health.
walks for pedestrians. Cheshire, is
care providers met to develop priorities for a
"It is important to hear from the consum-
Senior citizen Bella Merola said
terrible. You cannot walk in Chesh-
state delegation that will attend a White
ers to see what the priorities are," said
the ability to receive home health
ire," she said.
House Conference on Aging.
Doreen Pulisciano, town senior services co-
care is critical. She recalled a time
Sponsored by the Cheshire Social Service
Another senior citizen, Ralph
ordinator and municipal agent.
when both she and her husband,
Group, the local conference was moderated
Rowland, urged his peers to make
by Rodney Lane, a member of the town
Attending the forum was Leo McIllrath of
since deceased, were not feeling
sure house identification numbers
well and were able to get outside
commission on aging who is a dean at
are installed, so emergency work-
Please see Senior, Page B2
help through Medicare.
ers can quickly locate a residence.
It was such a blessing. It was a
We' going to make sure all,of
relief to me, she said.
them [White House conference
At the safety issues discussion,
delegates] get a result of our find-
senior citizen Vera Keane said the
ing,' Pulisciano said.
Bryan
Some in House GOP
some way, shape or form," he said. "It's
tration but took place under President
Are Edgy About
an important issue. But there are a lot
Ronald Reagan. Republicans elected in
of other priorities."
1980 complained about partisan bias in
Davis-Bacon Repeal
the selection of delegates, choice of issues
One Boll Weevil Plans to Sit In
and administration of the conclave.
Moderates quietly urge leaders
With GOP Budget Task Force
The policy committee for this year's
Not to rusb the measure to floor
Conservative Democratic Rep. Mike
conference has increased the number of
As they look for alternatives
Parker, Miss., has struck a unique deal
delegates from 2,000 to 2,259, with most
with his Republican colleagues: In
of the extra appointments allotted to the
Opposition to outright repeal of the
exchange for his vote and confidential-
new GOP governors and lawmakers.
Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 continues to
ity, Parker will be allowed to partici-
The expansion was "done in the spirit of
mount in the House, and not all of the
pate in all meetings of the Republican
bipartisanship," said Sen. David Pryor, D-
resistance is coming from Democrats.
Budget Task Force and the drafting of
Ark., policy committee chairman.
Davis-Bacon, a
the upcoming GOP budget package
Robert Blancato, executive director,
Depression-era law
THE
Republicans have not made any
said the 1995 conference will empha-
aimed at protecting local
promises to incorporate Parker's sug-
size the interdependence of genera-
laborers from being
gestions into their budget resolution,
tions and the responsibility of individu-
underbid by out-of-town
PULSE
but he said he hopes he can be a
als to plan for changes that will occur
workers, requires federal
"moderating" influence.
throughout their lifetime. "Today's child
contractors on construc-
"Unless you've got a seat at the
is tomorrow's elder," Blancato said.
tion projects to pay "local
table, you can't have any impact,"
The agenda grew. out of a series of
prevailing wages," which
OF CONGRESS
Parker says. "I may be able to bring
mini-conferences held in all 50 states
are often union rates. It applies to pro-
some bipartisan support to it."
last year and attended by more than
jects valued at $2,000 or more.
Parker is one of 23 conservative
57,000 people. It will cover four broad
Although repeal of the law has been
Democrats known as The Coalition. Many
issues: assuring comprehensive health
a longstanding GOP goal, a number of
of those members are working on their
care, including long-term care; promot-
Republicans have quictly tried to per-
own alternative budget package, which
ing economic security; maximizing
suade House Republican leaders not to
could put Parker in a tricky situation.
housing and support options; and max-
bring a free-standing Davis-Bacon repeal
"I will keep everything confidential,"
imizing quality of life.
bill to the floor. Instead, some have sug-
he says. "I'm trying not to overhear
Conference delegates will draft 40
gested including repeal language in a
what the Democrats are doing. When
resolutions in these broad areas that
must-pass budget reconciliation or
they talk about it in The Coalition, I
will then be returned to the mini-con-
appropriations bill later this year.
leave the room."
ferences in each state for discussions
Some moderates such as New York-
Parker, who says the cozy arrange-
about implementation. A final report is
ers Sherry Boehlert and Ben Gilman
ment emerged from his longtime friend-
due at the White House six to eight
have long been supporters of Davis-
ship with Budget Chairman John Kasich,
months after the conference.
Bacon and would likely vote against
Ohio, has a list of proposals he intends to
repeal in any form. But some other
offer the Republicans that he hopes will
Quick Insights
GOP centrists are anxiously looking for
make their package "kinder and gentler."
an alternative.
Parker says he has informed Democ-
Talking Point
31, 1995
"I think Davis-Bacon is clearly ripe
ratic Leader Dick Gephardt, Mo., and
A Capitol police officer was trying to
for reform," said Steve Gunderson,
Martin Sabo, Minn., the top Democrat on
quiet a group of noisy youngsters yester-
Wis., a senior member of the Economic
the Budget Committee, neither of whom
day in a Senate hallway. "Talking is a no-
Opportunities Committee. However, he
had any problems with the arrangement.
no in the Capitol," he said with authority.
added, "This is not as simple an issue
"I have no agenda of my own," Parker
One wiseacre in the group replied, "I
as I thought it would be."
says. "As a member of The Coalition, my
thought that was all they do here."
Gunderson said he was concerned
goal is to do what's best for the country."
that if construction workers' wages were
Polisbing His Backhand
depressed by repeal of Davis-Bacon,
Conference on Aging Seeks to
Retiring Sen. Bennett Johnston, D-La.,
their incomes and longterm financial sta-
Dampen Alleged Partisanship
seems to be enjoying life these days. He's
bility would be undermined.
As the 1995 White House Conference
been spotted in his tennis whites several
Although a subcommittee approved
on Aging approaches, organizers have
times during working hours, most
CQ's Congressional Monitor
a bill (HR 500) to repeal Davis-Bacon
moved to broaden the delegate base to
recently Wednesday, when he managed
March 2, the measure has yet to be
guard against charges of partisan tilt.
to vote on an amendment to the rescis-
considered by the full Opportunities
The 1995 conference, set for May 2-5
sions bill with minimal interruption to his
Committee, largely because of disagree-
in Washington, will be the fourth and
game. "He gets it coordinated where the
ments over how it should be handled.
last this century and the first held
clerk will call his name and somebody
In the Senate, a repeal measure (S 141)
under a Democratic president. The elec-
will crack the door open and he'll say
was approved Wednesday by the Labor
tion of a GOP-controlled Congress in
'aye.' But he won't be on the floor," said a
Committee but faces an almost certain
November spurred efforts to increase
bemused colleague. "He's done it before."
Democratic filibuster on the floor.
Republican participation to avoid the
House GOP Conference Chairman
kind of political controversy that plagued
- by Karen Foerstel and Steve Langdon,
John Boehner, Ohio, tried to play down
the last conference, 14 years ago.
with Robert Marshall Wells, Michelle
controversy over Davis-Bacon. "This
The 1981 White House Conference on
Gabee, Richard Sammon and Andrew
4
Congress is going to deal with it in
Aging was initiated by the Carter adminis-
Taylor.
E,
et cetera
Washington Times
4/8/95
Oldsters in media
persist primarily because older
people rarely are featured in
Depictions in television and
movies and TV.
movies of older Americans as
Older people don't exist all
feeble and inept will evolve into a
that much in film and TV, not in
more complex portrait of the el-
relation to their numbers in soci-
derly population as more baby
ety," Mr. Lear says.
boomers reach their 50s, panel
"More damage [to the image of
ists said last week in Los Angeles
the elderly] is done by omission
during a discussion of the images
in a world where advertisers be-
of aging.
lieve everything has to be sold by
The panelists, who included
beautiful young men and women,"
entertainment industry leaders
he says.
and experts on aging, said most
TV viewers born after World War
By the numbers
II see themselves as young and
would not identify with dodder-
Where does our money really
ing grandparent types.
Norman Lear says older people
go? Harper's Index for April has
The discussion took place be-
are underrepresented on TV
some answers:
fore an audience of about 250
series and in movies,
Number of Department of
during a daylong White House
Veterans Affairs employees
Conference on Aging jointly
whose salaries exceed $100,000
sponsored by CBS, the Academy
cluding Forrest Gump," Four
per year: 7,367.
of Television Arts and Sciences
Weddings and a Funeral" and #
Number of National Public
and the American Association of
'Nobody's Fool,' were geared to
Radio employees whose salaries
Retired Persons.
ward a more sophisticated audi-
exceed $100,000: 6.
Hollywood studios also are be
ence than the teen and young
Percentage of all U.S. corpo-
ginning to pay more attention to
adult targets most movies seek.
rate sponsorship that goes to the
the older audience, according to
Norman Lear, producer of "All
arts: 6.
Donald Petrie, director of the
in the Family," "Maude" and
Percentage that goes to
movie "Grumpy Old Men."
other TV series, agrees
sports: 65.
Mr. Petrie notes that some of
that changes are under way but
Compiled by Jennifer Pinkerton
1994's most successful films, in-
argues that negative stereotypes
from staff and wire reports