Plain Language Summary
# SENIOR Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SENIOR Act (Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief Act) would expand federal grants that help seniors by specifically addressing loneliness among people age 60 and older. Currently, these grants through the Administration on Aging focus on disease prevention and health promotion, including combating social isolation. This bill would formally add loneliness to the list of conditions these grants can address.
Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study whether federal programs are adequately tackling loneliness in seniors and to recommend solutions. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects seniors aged 60 and older, along with state agencies and organizations that receive federal grants to provide services to this population. It also requires action from the federal government to evaluate and improve its approach to senior loneliness. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken beyond the initial proposal stage.
CRS Official Summary
Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief Act or the SENIOR ActThis bill expands the scope of authorized Administration on Aging (AOA) grants to include services addressing loneliness in older individuals (i.e., aged 60 or older), and requires a report evaluating whether certain federal programs are adequately addressing this topic.Under current law, the AOA provides grants to states for disease prevention and health promotion services for older individuals, including services addressing the negative health effects of social isolation. The bill expands the scope of the services eligible for these grants to include services addressing the negative health effects of loneliness.Also, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report (1) evaluating whether its programs for older individuals are adequately addressing loneliness, and (2) recommending measures for reducing the negative health effects of loneliness and fostering multigenerational family connections.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.