NANASP Podcast Series: Real Life with the Older Americans Act
The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), in partnership with JAHF, presents a new podcast series, "Real Life with the Older Americans Act."
What does federal aging policy look like in everyday life? This podcast series 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. Each month, Bob Blancato, MPA—nationally recognized leader and policy expert on aging—and podcast guests are bringing unparalleled insights into how OAA programs and policies translate into real-world impact for older adults, families and communities across the country.
NEW - Episode 9: Call for Reauthorization Action and its Vital Importance for Older Americans
Leaders from across the Aging Network come together to explore how partnerships are helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives in their communities. The conversation also highlights the urgent need to reauthorize and adequately fund the Older Americans Act as the nation’s older population and demand for services continue to grow, as well as the importance of confirming the current nominee for Secretary of Aging, Mary Lazare.
Episode 8: Empowering Older Workers & Combating Ageism Through Workforce Training
This episode explores the transformative impact of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the only federal employment and training initiative dedicated to empowering low-income older adults. SCSEP addresses pervasive workforce gaps and challenges ageism by providing older workers with vital digital literacy, tailored career pathway training, and paid community service opportunities that foster independence, financial security and a renewed sense of purpose.
Episode 7: Title 6: Programs for Native American Elders
Title VI of the Older Americans Act is the program that supports nutrition and other essential services for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders. The episode highlights how Title VI empowers Tribal Nations to design services that reflect their cultures, priorities and traditions, helping Native elders remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities.
Episode 6: Elder Justice - Preventing Physical, Psychological and Financial Abuse
This episode explores the critical role of elder justice programs in protecting vulnerable older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Learn how these programs empower older adults, respect self-determination, and help individuals remain safely in their homes and communities whenever possible.
Episode 5: Champion your Health during Older Americans Month and Beyond
Learn how Title IV programs promote health, independence and longevity through evidence-based interventions that help older adults remain active and connected in their communities. Featuring perspectives from researchers, practitioners, volunteers and participants, the episode highlights falls prevention, nutrition, social engagement, and the partnerships that transform research into real-world impact.
Episode 4: Health, Independence and Longevity
Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker visit the American Society on Aging’s annual meeting in Atlanta to explore how Older Americans Act programs support the health, independence and longevity of older adults. Guests discuss innovative solutions related to family caregiving, growing service waitlists, aging workforce needs and the value of community-based supportive services.
Episode 3: The Senior Nutrition Program
The Senior Nutrition Program serves millions of older adults through meals that support health, independence and connection. This episode features leaders from across the country discussing how home-delivered meals and innovative wellness initiatives show why nutrition is about far more than food, and why the OAA must be reauthorized to sustain this impact.
Episode 2: Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained
The OAA is home to a national aging network. The value of that network is the main topic with important perspectives by Mary Lazare, Administrator, ACL, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, and historical perspective from co-host Edwin Walker, former Deputy Assistant Secretary, ACL. This episode also connects listeners with the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center in Maryland, where the promise of the OAA is brought to life.
Episode 1: Enduring Truths - The Older Americans Act
Since 1965, the OAA has evolved alongside the needs of older adults. Hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker are joined by national leaders from NCOA, USAging, Meals on Wheels America and ADvancing States to discuss why the OAA needs to be renewed, what the OAA gets right and what's next for the aging network.
Listen to all episodes.
Learn more about the podcast series.
Learn more about NANASP.
