Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Help Older Americans

Statement

U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has introduced a bipartisan package of legislation to provide and enhance support systems for older Americans. This package of legislation is the latest offering in a series of bills Senator Jones is introducing to strengthen families in Alabama and across the country.

"As a society, we need to do a much better job of caring for the elderly and ensuring that they can continue to live in dignity as they age," said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. "These bills will expand resources and support for older Americans and their families, and enable them to participate in meaningful ways in their communities."

The Promoting Opportunity for Women Entering Retirement (POWER) Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), would improve older women's economic security by codifying the National Resource Center on Women and Retirement Planning, which provides retirement planning tools and financial education to women who are most at-risk for poverty in older age. In addition to helping women plan for their future financial, health care, and caregiving needs, the Center educates seniors about scams and predatory practices, which disproportionately affect older women and cost Americans billions of dollars each year. By strengthening this program, the POWER Act would help thousands of additional seniors avoid poverty and remain independent and financially secure.

The Care Across Generations Act, also cosponsored by Senator McSally, would establish child care programs at long-term care facilities and fund activities to bring people from different generations together. Intergenerational programs provide a wide range of benefits to both the older adults and the children who participate. Children in intergenerational programs benefit from the wisdom and support of older adults, which can translate to significant academic and behavioral gains. Meanwhile, engaging with children reduces older adults' social isolation, which is tied to a wide range of positive health outcomes.

The Aging Together Act, introduced with Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), would create a new grant program for multigenerational and civic engagement activities that improve participants' health and wellness. These programs would promote lifelong learning and volunteerism, improve older individuals' economic well-being, promote social connectedness and support family caregivers.

Earlier this year, Senator Jones also introduced the bipartisan Younger Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). This bill would help the approximately 200,000 Americans suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's disease by allowing them to access resources and services provided by the Older Americans Act, even if they are younger than age 60.

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