WASHINGTON – Sen. Tina Smith has introduced a bipartisan bill to address the issue of loneliness among senior citizens in the United States.
In 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80 reported feeling isolated from others. This feeling of loneliness has been 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 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 to address the identified impacts.
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