During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which is set to expire on September 30. The board unanimously passed a non-binding resolution supporting this reauthorization, emphasizing its importance for funding aging services at the county level.

Commissioner Christian Science highlighted the critical need for these services, especially as federal funding from programs like ARPA and the CARES Act diminishes. The resolution aims to secure funding for essential programs, particularly older adult respite care, which has historically faced underfunding despite high demand.

The meeting also noted a demographic shift, with projections indicating that by 2030, adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history. This underscores the urgency of enhancing support for aging populations.

In addition to the resolution, the board discussed the appointment process for the Ageways board of directors, with seven applicants currently under consideration. The next steps involve determining whether to interview all applicants or select a few for further evaluation.

Overall, the meeting reflected a proactive approach to addressing the needs of the aging population and ensuring continued support for vital services.