Did you know that Washington has a State Council On Aging? If you said no, you’re not alone. By the time you read this, you will know all there is to know and more. 

First, the Council is currently composed of 20 citizen volunteers (voting members each serving a three year term), two State Senators, and two State Representatives. These people represent all regions of Washington State. The Council is established to act in an advisory capacity to the Governor, the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, and Aging and Disability Services Administration. The Council has the following functions and responsibilities:

• to serve in an advisory capacity on all matters pertaining to policies, programs, and services affecting the quality of life of older persons, with a special concern for the low-income and frail elderly
  
  
• to create public awareness of the special needs and potentialities of older persons
  
  
• to provide for self advocacy by older citizens of the state through sponsorship of training, legislative and other conferences, workshops and such other methods as may be deemed appropriate
  
  
• to keep currently informed of the needs of older persons which will include maintaining relationships with organizations involved in general senior interests.

The Council meets each month on the last Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the SeaTac area. Special meetings, events, and retreats are called from time to time as needed. The Council has adopted the following priorities for 2008:

1. Aging readiness
2. Family caregiver support
3. Geriatric education of professionals
4. Integrated mental health care
5. Intensive chronic care case management
6. Aging and disability resource centers