Welcome.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is delighted to host this
important event and we are pleased that so many people see this as an important
topic. One way to make a conference
look like a success is to schedule a small room. If we had held this event in other space, it may not have looked
so impressive, and so full. But the
topic would have been just as integral to the future of veterans and the future
of our nation.
The wave of older veterans precedes the wave of the general population of American baby boomers. Therefore, VA’s concerns are very relevant to the issues to be discussed in today’s Forum. VA has unique opportunities and obligations to address technology for successful aging. So, we are very pleased to be involved in this entire endeavor.
Certainly, this is a momentous occasion to bring
together so many different viewpoints, all focused on a single critical
topic. It is very clear that between
2010 and 2030, the rate of growth of the elderly population will be
exponential, and especially the rate of growth of those over 85. As the Census Bureau points out, about 10%
of individuals between 65 – 75 years of age need assistance with their daily
everyday activities, for those between 75 – 85 the percentage increases to
about 25%, and by 85 about 50% require assistance. The potential for technology to impact the mobility and daily
lives of millions of veterans as they age is critical. I, for one, will be listening very closely
to what comes out of this conference, to see if we can operationalize it a
little faster than the rest of the United States. My goal is to optimally benefit elderly veterans.