Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Senior Loneliness

WASHINGTON D.C. (trfnews.i234.me) – Senator Tina Smith has introduced a bipartisan bill to address loneliness among senior citizens in the United States. In 2023, one in three adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling isolated, a condition linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety among seniors. The proposed legislation, known as the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act, seeks to enable states to allocate OAA grants to programs that address loneliness, such as the Foster Grandparent Program or Meals on Wheels. The bill also requires the Administration for Community Living to offer technical assistance in implementing these initiatives and mandates a report on the impact of loneliness on seniors along with proposed solutions.