Older Americans Act Will Improve Senior Health, Employment: Rep

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, R-NH, voted this week to re-authorize the Older Americans Act (S. 192). The law mostly funds grants to states, which oversee health care and employment programs for Americans 60 or older. The bill reforms many of those programs to eliminate overlap and improve performance, according to a press statement.

“New Hampshire’s senior citizens, many military veterans and members of the Greatest Generation, are a state treasure. They deserve our support in their later years,” said Guinta. “With some job training and employment assistance, more could meet new people and contribute to their local communities. A range of programs also meet critical needs, such as nutrition, and produce personal connections that enrich these Granite Staters’ lives."

The Congressman pointed to the success of Meals on Wheels, a meal-delivery service, mainly volunteer, which benefits from a mix of federal, state and local funding.

“As someone who has volunteered, it is clear to me that New Hampshire seniors appreciate a daily visit almost as much as they appreciate a hot meal," Guinta added.

New Hampshire’s over-65 population is larger than most states’. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau statistics last year, the state’s median age was the fourth highest.

Also last year, Guinta introduced the SENIORS Act to guarantee Social Security and Veterans Administration beneficiaries a cost-of-living-increase, identifying cost savings in the federal budget to fully pay for the increase.

The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) endorsed Guinta’s bipartisan, budget-neutral legislation.

Next month, he is scheduled to host a town hall for low-income seniors at the Laconia Housing Authority, where the Congressman plans to discuss his work on the House Budget Committee to secure federal health and retirement programs for current and future retirees.

“Some simple changes could save Social Security and Medicare, which face budget shortfalls, for those who truly need them,” he said.

Congress had not re-authorized the Older Americans Act since 2011. Yesterday’s update includes measures to prevent elder abuse. Guinta praised the grant system, allowing states to develop solutions specific to their local populations.

Caption: U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta receives AMAC Award for service to New Hampshire seniors.