Aging/Older Adults

The SAGE National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging released this fact sheet to highlight the changes to Older Americans Act Regulations from ACL. The fact sheet also includes how to be a proponent for LGBTQ+ and HIV inclusion, what the changes of the OAA means for LGBTQ+ and HIV specific community organizations, and how to start advocating for a more inclusive Aging Network.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a strategic framework for a national plan on aging, aiming to advance healthy aging and age-friendly communities. The report involves input from federal agencies and various stakeholders including older adults, family caregivers, and the aging services network. The national plan on aging will advance best practices for service delivery, support development and strengthening of partnerships within and across sectors, identify solutions for removing barriers to health and independence for older adults, and more. Key aspects include service delivery, health care access, affordable housing, and economic security.

The Administration for Community Living has released the 2023 Profile of Older Americans, which provides statistics on the U.S. older adult population using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Profile illustrates the shifting demographics of Americans 65 and older. It includes key topic areas such as future population growth, marital status, living arrangements, income, employment, and health.

On April 15, 2024, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) opened applications for the Elder Just Innovation Grant (EJIG). The EGIJ program aims to support the development and advancement of new and emerging issues related to elder justice. Funded programs will contribute to the improvement of the field of elder abuse prevention and intervention. Applications are due June 18, 2024.

The AARP Public Policy Institute created the AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard to provide data about the virus’ spread among nursing homes and the impact it has on nursing home residents and staff. The purpose of this dashboard is to address at-risk areas at the national and state levels quickly.

This issue brief from Justice in Aging discusses the deficit in data regarding guardianship in the United States and the problems that has created for reform efforts in the guardianship system. The brief addresses the need for data to understand who is under guardianship, why they are under guardianship, and the risks marginalized older adults face but are not reported. The issue brief includes current data reform efforts recommendations to advance equity in guardianship.

This article from the Administrative Law Commons and the Elder Law Commons reviews the problems in the nursing home industry revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors of the article provide suggestions to improve oversight practices and accountability through existing statutory regulations that will incentivize nursing homes to provide high-quality care. The article discusses how politics, bureaucracy, and ageism have prevented existing statutory authority from being utilized to its potential.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. ACL will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.

In response to older adults representing the fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness, USAging recently released five homelessness prevention case examples featuring different successful AAA programs and partnerships to support housing stability. Agencies can find inspiration and ideas to evolve their own work and partnerships to provide homelessness prevention assistance and housing-related supports for older adults and people with disabilities.

The Milken Institute's latest report sheds light on a noteworthy demographic shift taking place in the United States. Projections suggest that by 2034, the population of older adults (aged 65 and above) will surpass that of individuals under 18. This shift is anticipated to lead to a significant rise in the older adult population, reaching 80 million by 2040, up from 55.7 million in 2020. Notably, the segment of the population aged 85 and older, requiring increased assistance, is expected to double by 2040. This demographic transformation poses challenges in providing appropriate and affordable housing and care options for older adults...