Trone Introduces Legislation to Address Social Isolation, Loneliness Among Seniors Due to COVID-19

U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) have proposed bicameral legislation to help older adults remain safe, socially connected, and healthy in response to an expected spike in social isolation and loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Garrett County Republican . The Strengthening Social Connections Act of 2020 would deliver emergency supplemental funding to programs that bolster social connectedness and address the adverse health effects of social isolation in the Older Americans Act. "The Strengthening Social Connections Act will prioritize the mental and physical well-being of older Americans by providing resources to help them remain healthy and connected," Trone declared. The bill would allocate $80 million for home and community-based services for older adults, focusing on activities to prevent and mitigate the negative health effects of social isolation, including technology procurement. In addition, $18 million would fund enhanced outreach to older adults and technical assistance to help area agencies on aging, aging services providers, and nutrition providers to reduce those negative health effects. A further $6 million would be granted to address the health effects of social isolation on minority aging populations.