May 8, 2025
By: Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, F4SC Executive Director
Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month in the United States. It’s a time to recognize the contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving them. This year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging,” encouraging a shift in how society perceives and discusses aging.
I’m admittedly biased; my favorite older adults are my incredible grandparents. My grandfather, who we call “Papou” (‘grandfather’ in Greek, and adopted by my older sister as a toddler), is a native New Yorker turned Washingtonian, physician, veteran, bird lover and avid watcher of medical and fire TV dramas. He married my beautiful grandmother 69 years ago. Grandma has a teaching degree, is a mom of three, and a lover of bridge and chopped liver. They are full of love, wisdom, generosity, and laughter. Each time I’m with them, I collect the stories they tell me like precious gemstones.
The pandemic and the past few years have been difficult for them, as for so many. Health and mobility challenges kept them homebound and socially isolated. As restrictions were lifted, the extended family made a commitment to increase our visits and spend more time together. Still, certain things about their pre-pandemic life never returned – like their golf outings, participation in Osher life learning programs, and cruise travel. Sickness and hospital stays further exacerbated limits to independent living and increased caregiving needs – both formal and informal. They are steadfast in remaining in the home they purchased over 60 years ago, and we are doing what we can to keep them safe there. In addition to physical safety, I’m concerned about their limited opportunities for socialization. Seeing their faces light up when I bring my son over, or when the family is together for holidays, brings me so much joy and reminds me just how vital social connectedness is to their well-being. It’s what motivates me to advocate for programs that support that connection – not just for my grandparents, but for all older adults.
With the population of older adults aged 60 and older projected to double by 2050, social connection initiatives funded through legislation like the Older Americans Act (OAA) are needed now more than ever. Older adults rely on the OAA for essentials like home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, in-home care, and caregiver respite. These supports are lifelines, helping millions age with dignity, independence, and meaningful connection.
Despite the growing need for these services, their future remains uncertain as federal priorities shift and funding changes threaten their stability – a challenge underscored by Meals on Wheels America’s recent #EndtheWait campaign. We at Foundation for Social Connection are working with our partners at the Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK to share stories with policymakers. Do you have a story to share? If OAA-funded programs have empowered you or a loved one to stay socially connected please reach out to our Storytelling team at shannon@social-connection.org.