NANASP & John A. Hartford Foundation

Real Life With The Older Americans Act

Government EN ↓ 6 episodes

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 decade...

Author

NANASP & John A. Hartford Foundation

Episodes

Elder Justice: Preventing Physical, Psychological and Financial Abuse 10.06.2026 34:51

THE ELDER JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL's SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT: Never Ever Campaign June 15-26, 2026 Personalize your messages with their Toolkit: https://bit.ly/EJCC26W In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act , hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker explore the critical role of elder justice programs in protecting vulnerable older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Through...

Champion your Health during Older Americans Month and Beyond 30.05.2026 1:00:16

In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act , we explore 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 engageme...

Health, Independence and Longevity 30.04.2026 44:20

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 longe...

The Senior Nutrition Program 28.03.2026 49:06

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...

Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained 05.03.2026 45:05

In this inaugural episode, host Bob Blancato and co-host Edwin Walker bring together a powerhouse group of national leaders to explore the legacy and future of the Older Americans Act (OAA): Ramsey Alwin (National Council on Aging), Sandy Markwood (USAging), Josh Protas (Meals on Wheels America), and Martha Roherty (Advancing States) for a wide-ranging conversation on the history, structure, and...

Enduring Truths: The Older Americans Act 12.01.2026 40:23

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, Executi...