Senate Aging Committee to Examine Critical Decisions Facing Americans Turning 65
Washington, D.C. — For the next 12 years, 10,000 Americans will turn 65 each day. It is common knowledge that this milestone includes two rites of passage: enrolling in Medicare and making decisions about Social Security. Navigating these two systems is complex. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, will hold a hearing on this subject titled, “Turning 65: Navigating Critical Decisions to Age Well,” on Wednesday, January 24, at 9:30 AM in Dirksen 562.
At this stage of life, Americans face major decisions about retirement, health care, access to benefits and supports, and long-term care. Turning 65 is also an opportunity to develop a sense of aging that is positive. Successful navigation of older adulthood begins with making legal and financial decisions. It also includes strategies for optimizing health by maintaining physical activity and social connectedness; living in safe housing and aging-friendly communities; and reducing risk of harm through wellness visits focused on medication reconciliation and reduction, falls prevention, and other topics specific to growing older.
This hearing will highlight strategies for navigating the complexities of an ever-changing society as Boomers move into older adulthood and carve new paths for future generations.
Witnesses for this hearing include:
- Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications, Social Security Administration (Washington, D.C.)
- Anna Maria Chavez, Chief Strategy Officer, Senior VP of External Affairs, Center for Healthy Aging, National Council on Aging (Arlington, VA)
- Mehrdad Ayati, M.D., Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine, Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
- Sharon Hill, APPRISE volunteer (free Medicare counseling program) (Vanderbilt, PA)
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