On March 12, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing entitled “Breaking the Cycle of Senior Loneliness: Strengthening Family and Community Support.” Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Chairman and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) convened the hearing to call attention to the health risks associated with loneliness and the need to do more, including Congress to address this epidemic. The Committee is expected to hold hearings every two weeks in the 119^th Congress, this being the fifth hearing since January, outpacing most committees.

ASHA submitted a statement to the committee, highlighting the significant efforts the senior living industry employs to promote social engagement among residents.  We also shared with the Committee, Senior Living Communities: Uniquely Positioned to Reduce Social Isolation and Promote Social Connection in Older Adults. This Special Issue Brief was prepared for ASHA by ATI Advisory, and included a literature review, senior living company surveys and individual case studies that highlight the impact of social opportunities on residents’ wellbeing. Argentum was a witness at the hearing and presented thoughtful testimony underscoring the importance of senior living in addressing isolation and loneliness.

Senator Scott opened the hearing with a statement about the impacts of senior loneliness: “The sad reality we face today is that a growing number of senior citizens are suffering from mental and physical health issues, largely driven by an epidemic of loneliness. Despite public health officials sounding the alarm, the issue has not yet been addressed through any major legislation.”

Other hearing witnesses included the YMCA of the USA, the Foundation for Social Connection-Action Network, and Clayton County Seniors Services Department. Senator Scott recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR Act) which among other things, adds “loneliness” to the definition of “disease prevention and health promotion services” under the Older Americans Act. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare a report on the impacts of loneliness on seniors and propose solutions for identifying impacts; and analyzes the relationship between the strength of multigenerational family units, loneliness, and seniors. ASHA expressed support for this bill and interest in working with the committee on this and other issues of importance to the industry.

Click Here for ASHA’s Statement