Bonamici Highlights Healthy Aging, Retirement Security at White House

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) highlighted the importance of healthy aging and retirement security for older Americans at a meeting with advocates at the White House Conference on Aging.

The conference, held every 10 years, brings together stakeholders from around the country to discuss policies for older Americans. Caregivers, doctors, policymakers, and health administrators discussed the successes and challenges of providing a safe, secure, and fulfilling life for seniors.

“Americans are living longer, more productive lives and our policies need to keep pace,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Programs that promote healthy living – including more physical activity, healthy meals, and interaction that preserves mental health, are all important. Many of these services can be provided at home, helping our seniors continue to live independently. Similarly, it’s vital that we are preserving earned benefits like Medicare and Social Security. Millions of seniors rely on Social Security to stay out of poverty – for many it is their only source of income. As Americans live longer, policymakers should be discussing how to strengthen these vital programs.”

Suzette Ussery Boydston, the Director of Samaritan Albany General Hospital’s Senior Companion Program in Oregon, attended the conference and discussed her experience caring for seniors in the rural communities of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County.

“I am delighted and privileged to represent the National Senior Corps Association, National Services, our volunteers, and most importantly – rural senior Oregonians fighting for their dignity and independence,” Boydston said. “The opportunity to share this experience with other advocates from across the country is humbling.”

Congresswoman Bonamici is working to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), which provides social and nutritional support to seniors through a variety of services, including the Meals on Wheels program.

“Renewing these vital programs for seniors is critical,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “I’ve helped package and deliver meals to seniors, and I’ve seen how this service keeps seniors connected to their communities. The Meals on Wheels program provides some seniors with their only complete meal of the day and often their only social interaction. OAA also includes funding for home caregivers and elder justice support. These and other OAA programs help fulfill our country’s long-standing commitment that Americans not grow old in poverty, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to reauthorize this important law.”