US Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, legislation that would provide $62.5 million in annual grant funding to area agencies on aging and community-based organizations working to reduce social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities.

 “The challenge of loneliness isn’t going anywhere and the social connection safety net this bill funds is among the best investments we can make for the mental and physical health of our seniors,” said Murphy.

“Older adults have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve resources to support their health and well-being,” including connection, added Gillibrand. 

Funded organizations would use grants to train staff to recognize and prevent isolation; conduct outreach to at-risk individuals; develop community-based interventions; connect at-risk individuals with social and clinical supports; and evaluate program effectiveness.

The SILO Act is endorsed by USAging, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network. Senator Murphy simultaneously introduced the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, which would create a permanent Office of Social Connection Policy in the White House.

To download the full bill, click here

To download a one-pager on the bill, click here

To download the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, click here