Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker host new podcast - Real life with the Older Americans Act

January 12, 2026

The Older Americans Act (OAA), the nationwide law that supports older adults’ safety, independence and quality of life, recently celebrated 65 years of providing programs that 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. Listen and learn from engaging policy experts, real-life participants and volunteers, and members of the aging network workforce who are engaged in community services supported by the OAA that provide:

• Nutritious meals improving diet quality, food security, independence and social connection

• Aging and disability support services and hospital care transitions that return $1.30 to $7.10 per dollar invested

• Evidence-based workshops enhancing physical function, self-management, mental well-being and fall prevention; reducing injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs

• Caregiver and dementia-capable services and supports reducing caregiver stress; preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization

• Native American services demonstrating ~36% fewer hospital visits and ~10% fewer falls per year

• Elder Justice initiatives raising awareness, reporting, safety, and service coordination for vulnerable older adults

• Older adult employment and training resulting in ~48% unsubsidized employment, 80% one-year employment retention, 32% improved physical health and 76% increased positive outlook/mental health

Access Real Life with the OAA on all major podcast platforms and click SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss an episode! RSS feed, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, IHeart Radio, Podcast Addict , Amazon Music 

This series is proudly sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national, nonpartisan philanthropy dedicated to improving care for older adults, and NANASP, a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff.