2015 White House Conference on Aging

The President hosted the White House Conference on Aging on July 15 2015, which focused on the issues facing Americans as they plan for retirement, care for older loved ones, and work to improve our quality of life as we age.  One of the most critical components of middle-class life in this country is a secure and dignified retirement, and today the President announced new steps we’re taking to ensure that Americans have the tools they need to prepare for the future.  These actions build on the President’s announcement earlier this year of the Department of Labor’s proposed rule requiring retirement advisers to put their clients’ best interest first, before their own profits.  

The actions announced today also build on the critical steps the Affordable Care Act has taken to strengthen and improve Medicare and Medicaid for older Americans.  Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 9.4 million people with Medicare have saved over $15 billion on their prescriptions and 39 million people with Medicare took advantage of free preventive services newly covered by the law.  Additionally, new and expanded Medicaid home and community-based services under the health care law give older Americans options to remain in their homes and communities as they age. 

In a year that marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security, the White House Conference on Aging is an opportunity to recognize the importance of these programs, highlight new actions to support Americans as we age and focus on the powerful role that technology can play in the lives of older Americans in the decade ahead.  

The 2015 White House Conference on Aging is harnessing technology to bring today’s conversation to communities across the country.  Hundreds of watch parties are happening across every state in America and are being hosted by organizations such as AARP, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Diverse Elders Coalition, Leadership Council of Aging Organizations members, and numerous cities and counties.

The demographics of this country are changing, and there has never been a more important time to put the spotlight on these issues and the work of this Administration -- and so many organizations across America -- to empower all Americans, across generations.

http://www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/