WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, Florida Politics highlighted U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott’s re-introduction of the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to tackle the issue of loneliness amongst America’s seniors. For far too long senior citizens have been suffering from varying health issues that have yet to be addressed legislatively by Congress. The bipartisan SENIOR Act is an important step in ensuring American seniors have the necessary support to enjoy their later years to the fullest and is supported by the Foundation for Social Connection’s Action Network.
Read more on Chairman Scott’s SENIOR Act in Florida Politics, as reported by A.G. Gancarski:
“Older people are often neglected in their twilight years, and Florida’s senior Senator sees a federal role in making sure they aren’t.
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‘Florida is blessed to have a wonderful senior population, and in my state and across the nation, seniors contribute greatly when given opportunities to be active members in their communities. Combating the feeling of isolation and loneliness for our aging community has endless benefits – from better mental and physical health to stronger, multigenerational relationships with families and communities. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I’m proud to lead this bill and fight to better support American seniors,’ Scott said Friday.”
Read the full article from Florida Politics HERE.
The SENIOR Act would:
· Promote programs that combat loneliness and support community integration for seniors by adding “loneliness” to the definition of “disease prevention and health promotion services” under the Older Americans Act.
· Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare a report on the impacts of loneliness on seniors and propose solutions for identified impacts; and
· Through the report, analyze the relationship between the strength of multigenerational family units, loneliness, and seniors.
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