From Deseret News archives:
New panel on aging outlines long-term goals
And the woman in the video has only one request: See me.
The powerful, eight-minute video helped launch the first meeting of the state's new Commission on Aging, created in this year's legislative session to address issues stemming from Utah's rapidly growing senior population.
Commission members, executive director Maureen Henry said, should keep the woman's story in mind as they go forward with their mission.
"Our task is not to fix all the problems of the elderly at the moment," Henry said. "Our task is to look into the future, use what's happening today as a database and try to make sure that the folks who are currently young mothers are going to get the best older moments in their life that they can get."
Rep. Patricia Jones, D-Cottonwood Heights, sponsored the legislation that created the Commission on Aging. The task was surprisingly difficult, Jones said Friday, and the commission faces increased pressure because of it.
"What I would like to see this commission come up with . . . is significant and substantial and meaningful possible legislation and possible policies that have to do with some of our seniors."
Former Utah first lady Norma Matheson, a longtime advocate for the senior community, is the group's honorary chairwoman.
"All of you in this room, I think, have the same desire, and that is to really do something," Matheson said Friday. "To really bring to the fore the dramatic changes that are happening in our aging population."
As it moves forward, special committees will be formed to address specific issues such as economic security, caregiver support, healthy aging, Medicare/Medicaid, transportation, workforce issues, legal issues and education.
Utah is the sixth fastest growing state in the nation in terms of its 65 and older population and is tied for second in terms of life expectancy.
E-mail: awelling@desnews.com
Comments
- 4A: Springville 29, Dixie 21 11:12 p.m.
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC 11:10 p.m.
- 3A: Juan Diego 35, Wasatch 14 11:04 p.m.
- Utah manufacturers going lean 10:57 p.m.
- Feds to seize 4 Iran-linked mosques 10:55 p.m.
- Utes face stiff test in opener 10:54 p.m.
- Hasan is charged with murder 10:53 p.m.
- 4A: Turnovers doomed Mustangs 10:51 p.m.
- World datelines 10:50 p.m.
- Iran's N-site for military use? 10:49 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
318 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
142 - Will state consider gay rights law?
137 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
119 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - Utes remain silent about BCS
112 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
110
One of my guilty pleasures is perusing the covers of celebrity magazines...
The galactic center shines like firelight through gaps in …
Enjoyed your post. It's good to read sensible comments in this cyber...
THANK YOU!!! I'm LDS in Southern CA and I'm so sick of hearing "we're...
I have the best spouse and friend that God could have ever created. He has...
When was the last time a rich man actually accumulated wealth without taking...
Any win from the Wong era is an asterisk win -not a tv or mc fan
Utah has the team they deserve.
Just to clarify, Warren Buffet does not pay less in taxes than his secretary....
one of the most fun timpview games i've seen
Banks get our money to bail them out and we get the shaft again.
Of course BYU is the best, if you are mormon. Outside of being mormon it is...


You can be the first to comment on this story.