Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, led a hearing focused on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The session, titled “Renewing Our Commitment: How the Older Americans Act Elevates Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases,” examined how the OAA supports Americans living with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as their families.
During the hearing, witnesses discussed the impact of OAA-funded programs in providing essential services to millions of older adults. These services aim to help individuals maintain dignity and independence as they age. Committee members highlighted the pressing need to reauthorize the OAA so that these support programs can continue benefiting families and caregivers across the country.
Chairman Scott welcomed testimony from Erick Montealegre, a family caregiver from Broward County, Florida; Stephen Sappington, a Parkinson’s advocate from Harford County, Maryland; and Duana Patton, president of USAging and CEO of Area Agency District 5 in Ontario, Ohio.
"Read below for Chairman Scott's remarks as prepared for delivery above in English."
