Sánchez introduces bill to combat social isolation, improve health outcomes for seniors

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, legislation aimed at mitigating the impact of social isolation and loneliness in seniors. With nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older suffering from social isolation, this bill aims to address one of the most dangerous, yet preventable, risk factors that can lead to poor health outcomes among older Americans.

“Isolation can lead to poor physical and mental health, particularly for older adults,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “The Addressing SILO Act would provide community organizations with more resources to address social isolation. I am proud to introduce this bill today, and I will keep working to ensure our seniors have the support they need during their golden years.”

Specifically, the Addressing SILO Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to eligible area agencies on aging (AAAs) or other community-based organizations to conduct outreach to individuals at risk for social isolation or loneliness, develop community-based interventions to mitigate loneliness and social isolation, connect at-risk individuals with social and clinical supports, and evaluate the effect of the programs developed and implemented in this bill.

Additionally, the Secretary must establish programs to provide and improve training for AAAs or other community-based organizations to address and prevent social isolation and loneliness. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a Report to Congress at least every three years after enactment and appropriates $62.5 million for each of FYs 2024 to 2027 to carry out these programs.

You can view the full text of the Addressing SILO Act here. 

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