On March 21, 2024, APA Services submitted policy recommendations on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (PDF, 265KB)opens in new window. APA Services recommended that the committee advance the following policies:
- continue Medicare coverage of telehealth,
- enhance access and training opportunities so that individuals of all ages can benefit from emerging technologies,
- address and support funding for addressing social isolation and loneliness,
- expand the definition of family caregiving, and
- devote more funding and resources toward generating feasible skill learning opportunities across diverse communities of older adults to address cognitive decline.
The association emphasized the importance of telehealth for the aging community and noted that, in some states, the reduction and cancellation of transportation assistance has made it difficult for older adults in rural areas to travel to receive health care. Telehealth has served as an important means of helping these individuals. APA Services emphasized that telehealth must be preserved to ensure more access to critical behavioral health services.
The recommendations also suggested that Congress prioritize enhancing access and training opportunities to help people of all ages benefit from emerging health care technologies. APA Services also emphasized the importance of addressing social isolation and loneliness, pointing out that psychological science offers valuable insights and strategies to combat social isolation and loneliness. The recommendations also underscored support for increases in authorized funding levels for programs to expand multigenerational support services.
The association also recommended that partners, friends, or neighbors caring for an older adult all be included in the definition of family caregiving and that the committee consider supporting reasonable extensions of the immediate family when discussing family caregiving. Raising awareness of the stress experienced by caregivers is also important.
Finally, the recommendations urged that learning new skills can provide cognitive stimulation for older adults, which can help improve their cognitive abilities and prevent future or further cognitive decline. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more programs on skill-building for older adult learners at different skill levels.
APA Services wishes to thank the Committee on Aging and Division 20 for their efforts and contributions to these recommendations.
For more information, contact Serena Dávila.
