Bipartisan panel traces next steps during pandemic and after passage of American Rescue Plan

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Armando Trull
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Arlington, VA (March 23, 2021) — The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, is showcasing a virtual townhall that discusses bold policy actions for older adults this year, building upon the recently enacted American Rescue Plan. 

NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin, NCOA Board Chair-Elect Kathy Greenlee, Sen. Bob Casey, (D-PA), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) engage in a frank and open exchange of ideas about what needs to change to ensure that every American can age with health and financial security.

“Too many Americans are still unable to age with dignity because of who they are or where they live. We’re changing that. We believe aging well is something every American deserves—regardless of gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code,” Alwin said. “It is time to shift the paradigm and generate a national dialogue about aging as a social justice issue.” 

“I believe public policy plays a vital role in making society work better for everyone, especially our older family and friends,” said Greenlee. “NCOA is starting a new chapter, one that puts equitable aging at the heart of all we do, and it’s urgent that we engage elected officials at all levels in making this a reality.” 

Sen. Casey, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, shared his priorities. “Throughout the pandemic, my top priority has been to ensure that states, community organizations, health care providers, and frontline workers have the resources they need to protect the most at risk,” he said. “We’re really talking about lifting up three groups of Americans: Seniors, of course, people with disabilities, and the workforce that provides the critically important care.”  

Sen. Scott, Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, highlighted the demographic shift our nation is facing. “By 2034, seniors are expected to outnumber children for the first time in history,” he said. “My top priority is ensuring that our seniors are vaccinated and protected from COVID-19. I’m also finding creative ways to make life better during one’s golden years, growing career opportunities for older Americans, and solidifying retirement security.”

Rep. Dingell, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, focused on what needs to change. “Our long-term care system is broken in this country,” she said. “Little by little by little, we are making progress.” 

The recorded virtual townhall is available for viewing on NCOA’s YouTube channel. 

About NCOA 
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Follow us at @NCOAging.