Senators Introduce Bill to Combat Senior Loneliness

WASHINGTON—Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Tina Smith announced the reintroduction of the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to address senior loneliness. Across the country, a growing number of senior citizens are suffering from mental and physical health issues, largely driven by an epidemic of loneliness. Despite public health officials sounding the alarm, the issue has not yet been addressed through any major legislation. Aging Committee member Senator Raphael Warnock joined as a cosponsor of this bill.

“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,” Scott said. “Combatting 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.”

“No one should feel so lonely that their mental and physical health is harmed, but that’s the reality for a lot of our senior citizens,” Smith said. “This legislation will combat social isolation as we age by investing in things we know work, like supporting caregivers and programs like Meals on Wheels.”

“The SENIOR Act is a crucial step in addressing loneliness among older adults,” said Andrew MacPherson, founder and board chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network. “Investing in the OAA is a core tenet of our policy priorities, and empowering states to address loneliness through OAA grants can lead to critical cost savings for senior health care and support our older Americans.”

According to the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network, loneliness among older adults is linked to increased risks of dementia, heart disease, stroke and premature death. Strengthening policies like the SENIOR Act could help the aging population access community programs and resources that promote social connection and well-being.

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.
• Through the report, analyze the relationship between the strength of multigenerational family units, loneliness and seniors. 

The SENIOR Act is supported by the Foundation for Social Connection’s Action Network.