Over half (54%) feel the impact of employees family care responsibilities will increase in the future. Source: 2008 Older Dominion Project Business Leaders' Study
Members/Partners
Member Profiles
Name: Linda L. Nablo
Title: Commissioner
Company/Organization: Virginia Department for the Aging
ODP Member Since: December 2007
ODP Committee Affiliation: Board of Directors, Community Readiness
Summarize your professional background relevant to Age Wave preparedness.
Serves as the Commissioner for the state agency charged with oversight of publicly funded services to seniors that are provided locally by Area Agencies on Aging and other contractors and with helping the Commonwealth prepare for an aging population. The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) disburses federal and state funds and provides technical assistance for a wide array of services that help seniors remain safely in their homes and communities. These services include nutrition programs, care coordination, employment, transportation, insurance counseling, etc. In addition, VDA administers the No Wrong Door initiative to help seniors and their families have easy access to information and services to meet their needs and advises the Governor and legislature on aging issues.
What expertise or other strengths do you bring to the Older Dominion Partnership?
A long career in state government with significant experience in developing and administering programs, managing projects and budgets, creating new initiatives and building coalitions, collaborating with community programs and state agencies, analyzing policies and legislation, working with the Virginia legislature, and advocating within government for individuals who need a voice.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues in Age Wave-preparedness in Virginia today?
First and foremost, building awareness of the need to prepare. It still surprises and concerns me that so many leaders are not aware or not focused on the fact that Virginia and the nation are changing – and changing fast. Just because we must be focused on economic conditions today does not change the reality of the coming age-wave. Those communities that are prepared will ride this age-wave to new opportunities – those who are not may find themselves struggling to tread water.
What advice do you have for age wave planning in Virginia?
Use age-wave planning as an opportunity to improve life in your community for everyone. It would be short-sighted to build places where seniors are well-served but other sectors of the population feel over-burdened. Whether it is accessible housing, improved transportation systems, multipurpose community centers, meaningful volunteer opportunities or countless other issues - improving life for seniors can improve life for us all.