As Budget Debate Continues, New Video Urges Government Not to Cut Solutions That Help Millions of Seniors

Current Programs Offer a Vital Lifeline to Health and Independence for Older Adults in Need

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Congress debates dramatic cuts to senior programs— including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—a new video released today by the One Away campaign for elder economic security urges policymakers to protect and strengthen current programs that provide real solutions for older adults who are struggling financially.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100615/NCOALOGO)

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More than 13 million older adults live in or on the edge of poverty, often on less than $22,000 each year. These seniors have to decide every day whether to pay for food, medicine, or a place to live. They live one bad break, one accident, or one layoff away from economic disaster.

"The National Council on Aging (NCOA) fully supports a balanced approach to solving the nation's economic struggles," said James Firman, president and CEO of NCOA. "But it's unthinkable to drastically cut programs that help so many of our most vulnerable citizens survive every day."

The new video is part of One Away, an innovative advocacy campaign supported by NCOA that uses video to allow vulnerable and disadvantaged seniors tell their stories of struggle in their own words.

The latest video highlights programs that are a lifeline for millions of older adults, including:

• The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) – SCSEP trains and places disadvantaged older adults – 90% of whom live in poverty – in part-time community service jobs, offering them new skills and a modest income. Yet Congress just voted to cut SCSEP by 45%.
• Affordable Housing – Section 202 and other supportive housing programs allow seniors with modest incomes to avoid homelessness, but waiting lists are very long. Yet Congress recently cut Section 202 funding by 51%.
• Food and Nutrition Programs – Right now, 5 million seniors are hungry in the United States. Yet proposals in Congress would reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) by $127 billion, and could cut funding for Older Americans Act meals programs, including Meals on Wheels and congregate meals.

The new video is available at www.OneAway.org. Visitors also can share their own stories of struggle, send an email to Congress, and discuss solutions to help seniors in need.

In addition to the main video, there are 10 other One Away videos spotlighting older adults across the country who have had to stop taking their medicine, eat less, or live in their car due to financial setbacks. Click on the "Watch Videos" tab to see them all.

A national poll, commissioned by NCOA, indicated that almost two-thirds (63%) of adults aged 18+ said they or an older adult they know is struggling to make ends meet in today's economy. A majority (62%) also knows that one out of three older adults relies on Social Security for over 90% of their income.  Find out more at www.OneAway.org/Press.

"Older adults want solutions to help themselves," said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president for economic security at NCOA. "Drastic cuts in these essential programs will force vulnerable seniors out of homes and onto the streets, and take away the food they need to survive. Now is the time to protect and strengthen these programs—not cut them."

About One Away
One Away is an innovative, national video advocacy campaign that gives voice to vulnerable older adults who are struggling to make ends meet in today's economy. The campaign captures real stories of seniors on video—and calls for legislative and policy changes to make it easier for them to get the services and supports they need to live with independence and dignity. NCOA is working with Local Advocacy Partners around the country to build support for this campaign.

www.OneAway.org | www.facebook.com/OneAwayCampaign

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. NCOA's mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.  

www.NCOA.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging