The theme was chosen to promote the philosophy that societies should be inclusive in nature, should embrace all population groups and share their resources equally. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, William Benson, served on the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing and Preparations for the International Year of Older Persons. The AoA will serve as the focal point in the U.S. government for the International Year of Older Persons. The AoA is working with the American Association of Retired Persons to host a meeting with senior U.S. Government officials to inform them about the International Year of Older Persons. Mr. Benson announced that the AoA is prepared to serve in a clearinghouse role for information related to the International Year of Older Persons for federal, state, and local governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
Plans are also underway for activities to recognize the year within the United States.
The Commission is a forum established by the two nations to allow for regular exchanges at the Cabinet level on a range of issues critical to U.S.-Mexico relations. Fourteen working groups have been formed since 1981. A Health Work group was established at the 1996 annual meeting attended by Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala in Mexico City. Four priority health areas were agreed upon for collaboration between the two governments which included women's health, immunization, smoking prevention, and migrant health. Four core groups have been established.