March 26, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hannah Muldavin, Hannah.Muldavin@mail.house.gov 

In the Midst of Global Pandemic, Trone Bills to Help Seniors Become Law 

New Laws Aim to Combat Social Isolation and Increase Funding for Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s 

Gaithersburg, MD – Today, U.S. Congressman David Trone (MD-06) announced two of his bills were signed into law as a part of the Dignity in Aging Act. These new laws are aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors and expanding access to care for those living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. 

Research shows that social isolation is more dangerous for older Americans than heart disease and high blood pressure. Experts have warned that social isolation among seniors is particularly problematic as older Americans comply with public health guidance related to social distancing. 

“At this time, it is crucial for our country to come together to support the health of our seniors and our entire nation,” said Congressman David Trone. “As all Americans follow public health guidelines related to ‘social distancing,’ this new law to combat the negative health impacts of social isolation is more important than ever. I’m happy the President signed these two new laws that prioritize funding and resources for older Americans and those suffering from younger-onset Alzheimer’s.”

“When it comes to the health of our family, friends, and the nation, nothing should be more important than supporting life-saving research and providing support for families faced with the challenge of caring for loved ones suffering from diseases like Alzheimers,” said former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker. “ I am tremendously thankful to Congressman Trone and his colleagues in Congress for recognizing the strain Alzheimer’s can place on the budgets of families like mine, particularly as we wade into this historically uncertain time.”

Trone has been a leader on issues affecting older Americans. He held multiple workshops and resource fairs for seniors in Maryland’s 6th District, and in December wrote about the necessity for increased funding for early onset-Alzheimer’s with former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker. Last month, Trone wrote about his bill to combat social isolation and its negative health impacts.

The Dignity in Aging Act reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) to ensure aging seniors have access to food, transportation, and other basic services they need to thrive. The law responds to the challenges facing a growing generation of aging Americans by increasing support for caregivers, improving economic opportunities for older individuals, and promoting the ability of older Americans to age in place.

For a fact sheet on the Dignity in Aging Act, click here.

For a title by title on the Dignity in Aging Act, click here.

Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Education and Labor, Foreign Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees, where he is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the opioid epidemic, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research. 

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