S. 473 — SENIOR Act

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in carrying out activities under section 206(a) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), to prepare a report on OAA programs (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) supported or funded by the Administration on Aging that address negative health effects of loneliness among older individuals in greatest social need. The report must (1) examine the relationship between multigenerational family units and loneliness in older individuals; (2) assess whether such programs adequately address loneliness, including its prevalence across geographic areas, physical and mental health effects, role of OAA preventive measures and services, and public awareness efforts; (3) identify if such programs support local community projects involving diverse sectors, outreach to screen older individuals and caregivers, and a focus on decreasing loneliness effects; and (4) include recommendations, as appropriate, to reduce identified loneliness effects and foster intergenerational family connections. The Secretary must submit an interim status report to the Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over the OAA and the Senate Special Committee on Aging not later than 2 years after enactment, and a final report not later than 5 years after enactment. For this section, the terms "greatest social need," "older individual," and "Secretary" have the meanings given in OAA section 102 (42 U.S.C. 3002).