Congress should re-fund the Older Americans Act, according to delegates at this year’s White House Conference on Aging.

This statement represents delegates’ primary recommendation at the conclusion of the conference, which ended Wednesday. The Older Americans Act launched programs such as Meals on Wheels, senior centers and home health aides. The conference is held once a decade.

Some of the other 50 recommendations to Congress are: standardizing software coding to allow providers and social agencies to exchange electronic health records; and making Medicare the primary health insurer for workers age 65 and older so businesses will have an incentive to hire and retain older workers.

Following the conference, delegates must deliver to all state governors a list of recommendations within 100 days and present a final draft to Congress and President Bush by June.