Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing on December 3 to discuss how community networks can support older adults during the holiday season. The hearing, titled “Aging in Place: The Impact of Community During the Holidays,” aims to address increased isolation among seniors at this time of year and examine programs that help them remain connected and independent.
The committee will hear from John Offerdahl, President of Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation; Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving; Alison Barkoff, Associate Professor and Director at George Washington University’s Hirsh Health Law & Policy Program; and Emily Ladau, author of "Demystifying Disability." These witnesses are expected to highlight successful initiatives supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as well as efforts by nonprofits, service organizations, and faith-based groups that assist families facing heightened caregiving responsibilities during the holidays.
This session builds upon previous hearings held by the committee earlier in the year focused on senior loneliness and OAA programs. According to Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Gillibrand, “this hearing continues the committee’s bipartisan commitment to advancing programs that promote dignity, independence, and a better quality of life for America’s aging community.” They noted that community support systems are particularly vital during holidays when seniors may be more vulnerable to social isolation.
The hearing is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET in room SH-216 of the Senate Hart Office Building. A live broadcast will be available online.
