Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, leaders from across the Aging Network come together to explore how partnerships are helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives in their communities. Ramsey Alwin of the National Council on Aging, Ellie Hollander of Meals on Wheels America, Sandy Markwood of USAging, and Martha Roherty of ADvancing States share how nutrition, health promotion, caregiver support, transportation, and other community-based services make a difference every day. The conversation also highlights the urgent need to reauthorize and adequately fund the Older Americans Act as the nation’s older population and demand for services continue to grow and the importance of confirming the current nominee for Secretary of Aging, Mary Lazare. Guests offer a compelling look at why investing in the Aging Network benefits older adults and families while helping reduce the need for more costly health care and long-term care. To contact your member of Congress to support their reauthorizing of the Older Americans Act go to Congress.gov to locate your Representative.

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker delve into the transformative impact of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the only federal employment and training initiative dedicated to empowering low-income older adults. The discussion highlights how SCSEP addresses pervasive workforce gaps and challenges ageism by providing older workers with vital digital literacy, tailored career pathway training, and paid community service opportunities that foster independence, financial security and a renewed sense of purpose. To explore the program's vital role in supporting economic security and community infrastructure, the hosts welcome three expert guests: Billie Tohee, Executive Director of The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA); Ann Manby, Chief Workforce Development Officer at CWI Works; and Debra Carter, Director of Employment Services and Housing for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA). Together, they dispel common myths about older workers, share deeply moving success stories, and make a powerful case for the continued protection and funding of SCSEP under the upcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker explore Title VI of the Older Americans Act, the program that supports nutrition and other essential services for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian elders. Congressman Tom Cole discusses the importance of these programs, their impact on healthy aging, and the federal commitment to Tribal communities. Native aging leaders Bill Benson and Registered Dietitian Heidi Wolzen share how Tribal organizations deliver culturally grounded services that incorporate traditional foods, language, and intergenerational activities while overcoming the unique challenges of serving remote communities and limited resources. The episode highlights how Title VI empowers Tribal Nations to design services that reflect their cultures, priorities, and traditions, helping Native elders remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities.

THE ELDER JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL's SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT: Never Ever Campaign June 15-26, 2026 Personalize your messages with their Toolkit: https://bit.ly/EJCC26W In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker explore the critical role of elder justice programs in protecting vulnerable older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Through conversations with leaders from Tribal Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and the National Adult Protective Services Association, listeners learn how these programs empower older adults, respect self-determination and help individuals remain safely in their homes and communities whenever possible. Guests share real-world examples of restoring dignity, recovering stolen assets, resolving quality-of-life concerns in long-term care settings and using culturally responsive approaches to support tribal elders. The episode also highlights the importance of reauthorizing and adequately funding the Older Americans Act and Elder Justice Act to strengthen services that safeguard the rights, independence and well-being of older Americans.

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, we explore how Title IV programs promote health, independence, and longevity through evidence-based interventions that help older adults remain active and connected in their communities. Featuring perspectives from researchers, practitioners, volunteers, and participants, the episode highlights falls prevention, nutrition, social engagement, and the partnerships that transform research into real-world impact. Thank you to our guests: Carol Zernial (CEO, WellMed Foundation) and Anita Ramirez (volunteer, Doris Griffin Senior Center) - San Antonio Texas Matthew Smith (Professor) - Indiana University School of Public Health Staff from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands - Maryanne Ryan, Sarah Franey, Laura Cheesman, Dawn Ericson-Taylor, Dot Kingsbury and Gina Paglucia Morrison - and their partner at the Visiting Nurses Association - Meg Payne