Aging/Older Adults

The National Council on Aging (NCOA)’s article “Your Mental Health This Holiday and Beyond: 4 Steps to Combat Loneliness in Seniors” notes that loneliness among older adults can be difficult during the holidays, especially for individuals who live alone. The U.S. Census estimates that as many as 27% of adults age 65 and older lived alone in 2020; however, a person may experience loneliness even if they live with other people. Loneliness can affect anyone who doesn’t feel meaningful connections with others. NCOA’s article shares four tips for staying connected with loved ones during this holiday season, including prioritizing communication, facilitating social activities through local organizations...

A recently published fact sheet from the National Consumer Voice for Long-Term Quality Care offers guidance for visiting residents in long-term care facilities during the holiday season. This fact sheet outlines the importance of visits from family members in supporting residents’ emotional well-being and ensuring that residents receive quality care. It also emphasizes the rights of residents and family members to determine what visits involve and when they take place. Additionally, Consumer Voice provides practical tips and activity ideas for family visits, along with suggestions for engaging residents during the gift-giving season, including examples of suitable gifts for residents.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) recently released an updated guidance memorandum, supported by a 2021 supplemental grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This updated publication offers insights for the Aging Network on delivering Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care to Holocaust survivors, older adults with trauma histories, and their family caregivers. This publication is an updated and expanded version of the guidance memorandum published by the ACL in 2017.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) recently released a comprehensive report addressing the escalating issue of homelessness among older adults, a demographic experiencing a rapid increase in homelessness over recent years. This report gives an overview of the population of older adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness and what services and supports are available to serve them. The report also examines these topics with attention to what is known about racial and ethnic groups disproportionately impacted by homelessness. In addition, the report highlights the challenges older adults encounter in accessing available assistance while also spotlighting innovative practices, especially those implement

Adult Protective Services (APS) programs promote the safety, independence, and quality-of-life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves. APS is a social service program authorized by law in every state to receive and investigate reports of elder or vulnerable adult maltreatment and to intervene to protect the victims to the extent possible. Section topics in this fact sheet include: What is APS?; Reporting Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse; What does APS Do?; Client Protections; and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Each fall, the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign shines a light on an important topic affecting the health and wellness of older adults. This year, the focus is on encouraging older adults to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. The Eldercare Locator’s 2023 Home for the Holidays campaign addresses connecting older adults, caregivers and families with information on vaccines and local resources that can help make getting vaccinated easy. Campaign materials include a brochure, vaccine fact sheet, aging network toolkit, and social media graphics...

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) recently released a brief providing an overview of how California and Ohio engaged multiple collaborators, partnered and collaborated with public and private entities, used data and evidence, and integrated equity and inclusivity to identify key priorities and set specific goals and outcomes to advance healthy aging for all and support for caregiving through 2030 and beyond. Based on NASHP’s review, these two states are at the forefront of incorporating equity into infrastructure, data collection, and collaboration to support policy for older adults and family caregivers within their states.

On October 31, the White House announced a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at strengthening protections for Americans saving for retirement. This proposed Retirement Security rule expands the fiduciary standard to cover a broader range of financial advice, including new types of non-securities like fixed index annuities and one-time advice for transactions such as 401(k) rollovers. By closing loopholes and requiring financial advisers to act in the best interest of savers, the rule aims to reduce excessive fees in retirement products, promote competition, and protect American workers' retirements, ultimately offering greater peace of mind for those saving for retirement.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has issued a fraud alert regarding an increase in scam calls targeting older adults. The alert highlights that scammers may pose as organizations like "Eldercare," "Eldercare Locator," "Social Security," or "Medicare" and may request personal information or payment while threatening jail time or fines. The ACL advises individuals to be cautious, hang up on suspicious calls, verify an organization's contact information independently, and avoid sharing personal information or making payments to unknown callers...

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking public comments on its information collection requirements related to the Assessment and Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs Older Americans Act Title VI. OAA Title VI establishes grants to Native Americans for nutrition services, supportive services, and family caregiver support services. Information gathered through the Assessment and Evaluation of the Title VI Programs will inform ACL and its partners, other Federal agencies and administrators, current grantees, policymakers, and the field about ways to improve service delivery for older adults and their caregivers...