Three in four Virginia Boomers (77%) expect to live to age 80 or beyond, and 38% say they expect to live to at least 90 years in age. Source: 2008 Older Dominion Project Residents' Study
Members/Partners
Member Profiles
Name: Merle E. Mast, Ph.D., RN
Title: Professor, Department Head
Company/Organization: James Madison University Department of Nursing
ODP Member Since: September 1, 2009
ODP Committee Affiliation: Shared Database Work Group
Summarize your professional background relevant to Age Wave preparedness.
I serve as Executive Director of Caregivers Community Network, a funded campus/community partnership program that integrates client services, student education, and faculty research and scholarship. I am a Board member of Harrisonburg/Rockingham Elder Alliance and of First Choice Home Health.
What expertise or other strengths do you bring to the Older Dominion Partnership?
Knowledge of caregiving literature and research related to caregiver needs and decision making.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues in Age Wave-preparedness in Virginia today?
The nursing shortage, health care system woes and future inadequacies of Medicare and Medicaid. The need for communities to integrate and provide consumer friendly services as the population ages.
What advice do you have for age wave planning in Virginia?