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Statement Of Sandy Markwood

Environmental Protection Agency
Aging Initiative Public Listening Session
Baltimore, Maryland
May 7, 2003

Sandy Markwood
CEO
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)


Good Afternoon Governor Whitman, Regional Administrator Welsh, Secretary Roesser, Deputy Secretary Philbrick and my colleague, Mr. Stewart and other distinguished members of the panel. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today about EPA's Aging Initiative.

My name is Sandy Markwood and I am the CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. My organization, n4a, represents the nation's 655 Area Agencies on Aging and works with the more than 240 Native American aging programs. These agencies administer community-based programs that capitalize on the contributions of older adults and provide a broad range of supportive services that include --meal programs, senior centers, friendly visitors, chore services, home health assistance, adult day care and respite care that assist older adults and their caregivers remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

I want to commend Governor Whitman and EPA for conducting this series of Public Listening Sessions in order to gather input from aging, health and environmental groups and older adults themselves on the importance of environmental protection to the quality of life of seniors. Our members, AAAs like the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education -CARE- here in Baltimore, have been proud to have partnered with you on these sessions.

As everyone on this panel knows, Americans are living longer. At the turn of the century, only 4 percent of Americans lived past the age of 65. Things have changed in this country for the better-improvements to health care and pharmaceuticals have played a significant role in extending longevity but, so too have improvements in the environment.

Today, 12% of the U.S. population is over the age of 65 and by the year 2030, one in every five Americans will be 65 or older. And, the fastest growing segment of the older population are the oldest of the old-those people who are over the age of 85 who are typically the most frail and vulnerable to hazards of any kind.

We know that older adults may be more susceptible to hazards from the environment-hazards which may make existing chronic conditions worse or could become life-threatening. Environmental hazards that can affect the health of older Americans include: More research needs to be done to determine the extent of these hazards on the health of older adults. Additionally, greater education and outreach must then be done to make older adults and their caregivers aware of these dangers and how to mitigate them. As the focal point for aging in the community, AAA and Title VI agencies stand ready to assist EPA distribute this vital information.

Research and information on environmental hazards are critical components of any effort to ensure the quality of life of older Americans, so too is promoting positive land use planning. Although land use decisions are generally the responsibility of local governments, EPA has been a leader in promoting Smart Growth strategies and the value of Sustainable Development. To be effective in meeting the needs of America's changing population, Smart Growth and Sustainable Development strategies must incorporate issues related to "Aging in Place". These strategies need to promote the integration of housing, transportation, community capital improvements and public safety infrastructure with systems of supportive services that are necessary to create an elder-friendly community-- which I would promote is really a community for all ages.

As a national leader in these issues, we would ask EPA to promote the incorporation of aging into these strategies and n4a and the nation's system of AAAs and Title VI agencies commit to serving as resources to assist communities become better places to grow up as well as to grow old.

In order to make our nation's communities good places to grow old, we must also ensure that we involve seniors themselves in the decision making and involve them in services. Older adults are a huge resource for this nation in terms of the talents, experience and capacity to give back in service. n4a was proud last week to join with the MetLife Foundation to honor senior volunteers from across this country who were involved in a broad range of activities that make their communities better places to live.

EPA has already recognized through several of its programs the significant contributions that older adults can make. n4a is working with the National Senior Corp to grow the capacity of Area Agencies on Aging to help recruit, retain and recognize senior volunteers and would be happy to work with you to expand your senior volunteer efforts.

In closing, I want to again applaud Governor Whitman and EPA for launching the Aging Initiative and developing a National Agenda on the Environment and Aging. n4a looks forward to working with you on this important effort.

Thank you

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