Real Life With The Older Americans Act

About Real Life With The Older Americans Act

What does federal aging policy look like in everyday life? This podcast explores the real people and real communities that benefit from the Older Americans Act (OAA)—the nationwide law that supports older adults’ safety, independence and quality of life. OAA programs are the backbone of community-based services yet are often hidden in plain sight. As the U.S. population ages rapidly and caregiving needs grow, the services supported by the OAA have never mattered more for health, dignity and connection. Host Bob Blancato, nationally recognized leader and policy expert on aging, has spent decades shaping programs that improve the health, dignity and well-being of older adults. Bob and his stellar podcast guests bring unparalleled insights into how older adult programs and policies translate into real-world impact for older adults, families and communities across the country. Listen and learn from engaging policy experts, real-life participants and volunteers, and members of the aging network workforce who are engaged in community services supported by the OAA that provide: - Nutritious meals improving diet quality, food security, independence and social connection - Aging and disability support services and hospital care transitions that return $1.30 to $7.10 per dollar invested - Evidence-based workshops enhancing physical function, self-management, mental well-being and fall prevention contributing to fewer injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs - Caregiver and dementia-capable services and supports reducing caregiver stress and preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization - Native American services demonstrating ~36% fewer hospital visits and ~10% fewer falls per year - Elder Justice initiatives raising awareness, reporting, safety, and service coordination for vulnerable older adults - Older adult employment and training resulting in ~48% unsubsidized employment, 80% one-year employment retention, 32% improved physical health and 76% increased positive outlook/mental health This series is proudly sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national, nonpartisan philanthropy dedicated to improving care for older adults, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff. Learn more about the key role of the Older Americans Act by going to: What To Know About The Older Americans Act And The Services It Provides (https://www.kff.org/medicare/what-to-know-about-the-older-americans-act-and-the-services-it-provides-to-older-adults/).

Publisher

NANASP & John A. Hartford Foundation

Category

government · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Jan 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 of 9 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Call for Reauthorization Action and its Vital Importance for Older Americans

   Ramsey Alwin, Ellie Hollander, Sandy Markwood, and Martha Roherty discuss how community services and Older Americans Act reauthorization support older adults' independence and health.

2. 

   31 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Empowering Older Workers & Combating Ageism Through Workforce Training

   Hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker interview Billie Tohee, Ann Manby, and Debra Carter about how the Senior Community Service Employment Program empowers older workers and combats ageism through workforce training.

3. 

   31 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Title 6: Programs for Native American Elders

   Host Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker interview Congressman Tom Cole, Bill Benson, and Heidi Wolzen about Title VI programs supporting Native American elders' health and cultural traditions.

4. 

   10 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Elder Justice: Preventing Physical, Psychological and Financial Abuse

   Hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker interview leaders from Tribal Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and the National Adult Protective Services Association about preventing elder abuse and exploitation.

5. 

   30 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Champion your Health during Older Americans Month and Beyond

   Host Carol Zernial, CEO of WellMed Foundation, interviews Anita Ramirez, Matthew Smith, and staff from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands about how Title IV programs champion health and independence for older adults.

6. 

   30 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Episode 4: Title IV - 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.

7. 

   28 Mar 2026

   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/

8. 

   5 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained

   The Older Americans Act is more than a law. It is a program featuring important and daily social care services in most every community in the US.  The need for these services is more acute than ever with more older adults in the population and their preference to remain in community. The Older Americans Act is home to a national aging network. The value of that network is the main topic of discussion in episode 2. Important perspectives are provided by Mary Lazare, the top official in ACL, which is the agency that operates the OAA. Also Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, a champion of the OAA in Congress.  And a great historical perspective provided by our co-host Edwin Walker, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at ACL. This episode also connects listeners with the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center in Maryland, where authentic meals, cultural performances, and dedicated volunteers bring the promise of the Older Americans Act to life. From federal policy to community tables, this episode shows how aging services make a difference in every neighborhood across the US.

9. 

   12 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Enduring Truths: The Older Americans Act

   In this episode, we bring together a powerhouse group of national leaders to explore the legacy and future of the Older Americans Act (OAA): Edwin Walker, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging; Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging; Josh Protas, the Chief Advocacy Policy Officer of Meals on Wheels America; Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging; and Martha Roherty, Executive Director of Advancing States. Together, they trace the history of the OAA and its transformative impact on the health, independence, and dignity of millions of older Americans. These experts reflect on how the Act built today’s aging network and why it remains a cornerstone of community-based support. The conversation then turns to what’s next, as each leader shares their priorities for the reauthorization of the OAA. From modernizing services and strengthening nutrition programs to addressing equity, ageism, and caregiver needs, they outline a bold vision for the future. Their insights reveal what it will take to ensure the OAA continues to meet the realities of aging in America. This episode offers both a master class in aging policy and a roadmap for the decades ahead.

Inside a recent episode

Call for Reauthorization Action and its Vital Importance for Older Americans

Published 8 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Every year, about 4.5 million emergency department visits due to falls are experienced, and they cost the health care system $80 billion a year. Yet we know there are evidence-based programs that work, and they're not available in every zip code. We're working to change that with all of our partners. […]

Who has been a guest on Real Life With The Older Americans Act

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ramsey Alwin
• Ellie Hollander
• Sandy Markwood
• Martha Roherty
• Billie Tohee

Reach and audience

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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