Real Life With The Older Americans Act

Elder Justice: Preventing Physical, Psychological and Financial Abuse

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 [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.

Champion your Health during Older Americans Month and Beyond

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

Health, Independence and Longevity

Join Bob and Edwin and learn from colleagues and experts during their visit the American Society on Aging's annual meeting in Atlanta. You'll hear from Leanne Clark-Shirley (American Society on Aging), Najja Orr (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging) and Jeffrey Klein (Nevada Senior Services) about how the Older Americans Act programs across the nation are vital to the health, independence and longevity of older adults. Our guests and ASA's Panel of Pundits* highlight innovative solutions to today's issues including the importance of family caregivers, the economy's impact on increasing waiting lists for services, creative aging workforce solutions and the economics of providing supportive services in the community. *Panel of Pundits: Edwin Walker (Retired Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration on Aging); Joel White, Horizon Government Affairs, Council for Affordable Health Coverage; Jean Accius, Creating Healthier Communities; Lynn Faria, SAGE; Ramsey Alwin, National Council on Aging; and Jason Resendez, National Alliance for Caregiving.

The Senior Nutrition Program

The Senior Nutrition Program serves millions of older adults through meals that nourish both body, mind and community. Discover how one of the most successful federal programs helps older adults live healthier, more connected lives. Featuring leaders from across the country, learn about how home-delivered meals and innovative wellness initiatives highlight why nutrition is about far more than food—and why the Older Americans Act must be reauthorized to sustain this impact. Links for further information about Suicide Intervention and Researchers who have pioneered its integration within the Senior Nutrition Program:  https://livingworks.net/training/livingworks-asist/ https://livingworks.net/training/livingworks-safetalk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-shannonhouse-ph-d-b487516a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fullen-68045225/

Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained

In this inaugural episode, host Bob Blancato and co-host Edwin Walker bring together a powerhouse group of national leaders to explore the legacy and future of the Older Americans Act (OAA):  Ramsey Alwin (National Council on Aging), Sandy Markwood (USAging), Josh Protas (Meals on Wheels America), and Martha Roherty (Advancing States) for a wide-ranging conversation on the history, structure, and real-world impact of the Older Americans Act. Together, they outline what reauthorization must deliver—modernization, equity, and funding at scale—so the OAA can meet the realities of a rapidly aging nation.