Call for Reauthorization Action and its Vital Importance for Older Americans

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, leaders from across the Aging Network come together to explore how partnerships are helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives in their communities. Ramsey Alwin of the National Council on Aging, Ellie Hollander of Meals on Wheels America, Sandy Markwood of USAging, and Martha Roherty of ADvancing States share how nutrition, health promotion, caregiver support, transportation, and other community-based services make a difference every day. The conversation also highlights the urgent need to reauthorize and adequately fund the Older Americans Act as the nation’s older population and demand for services continue to grow and the importance of confirming the current nominee for Secretary of Aging, Mary Lazare. Guests offer a compelling look at why investing in the Aging Network benefits older adults and families while helping reduce the need for more costly health care and long-term care.

To contact your member of Congress to support their reauthorizing of the Older Americans Act go to Congress.gov to locate your Representative.

What is Real Life With The Older Americans Act?

What does federal aging policy look like in everyday life? This podcast explores the real people and real communities that benefit from the Older Americans Act (OAA)—the nationwide law that supports older adults’ safety, independence and quality of life.

OAA programs are the backbone of community-based services yet are often hidden in plain sight. As the U.S. population ages rapidly and caregiving needs grow, the services supported by the OAA have never mattered more for health, dignity and connection.

Host Bob Blancato, nationally recognized leader and policy expert on aging, has spent decades shaping programs that improve the health, dignity and well-being of older adults. Bob and his stellar podcast guests bring unparalleled insights into how older adult programs and policies translate into real-world impact for older adults, families and communities across the country.

Listen and learn from engaging policy experts, real-life participants and volunteers, and members of the aging network workforce who are engaged in community services supported by the OAA that provide:
- Nutritious meals improving diet quality, food security, independence and social connection
- Aging and disability support services and hospital care transitions that return $1.30 to $7.10 per dollar invested
- Evidence-based workshops enhancing physical function, self-management, mental well-being and fall prevention contributing to fewer injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs
- Caregiver and dementia-capable services and supports reducing caregiver stress and preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization
- Native American services demonstrating ~36% fewer hospital visits and ~10% fewer falls per year
- Elder Justice initiatives raising awareness, reporting, safety, and service coordination for vulnerable older adults
- Older adult employment and training resulting in ~48% unsubsidized employment, 80% one-year employment retention, 32% improved physical health and 76% increased positive outlook/mental health

This series is proudly sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national, nonpartisan philanthropy dedicated to improving care for older adults, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff.

Learn more about the key role of the Older Americans Act by going to: What To Know About The Older Americans Act And The Services It Provides (https://www.kff.org/medicare/what-to-know-about-the-older-americans-act-and-the-services-it-provides-to-older-adults/).