The Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act

Committee Chairman Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced legislation to promote programs that combat loneliness in older adults. The Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act was reintroduced. This proposal adds loneliness to the definition of disease prevention and health promotion services under the Older Americans Act.

This bipartisan bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a report on the effects of loneliness in older adults, as well as craft solutions and analyze the relationships between multigenerational family units, loneliness, and older adults. Argentum noted that it supported this legislation to integrate older adults into the general community. The association also discussed their appreciation that this bill calls for a multigenerational care model and referenced the proposed Care Across Generations Act, which would ultimately provide the resources to maintain childcare programs in assisted living communities.

In 2023, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, announced a “National Strategy to Advance Social Connections” in order to address an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” The senior living industry held assisted living as an opportunity for adults to strengthen social connections. A 2022 report from the American Senior Housing Association and ATI Advisory found that senior living communities reduced social isolation and improved the resident’s quality
of life, particularly during the pandemic. This study also revealed that there was a decrease in loneliness among older adults in assisted living facilities and other congregate living settings.

The SENIOR Act is a pivotal step in addressing the issue of loneliness in older adults. Andrew MacPherson, founder and board chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network, said, “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 healthcare and support our older Americans.”