Hearings to examine aging with purpose, focusing on the positive impact of seniors in today's economy.

1[Senate Hearing 119-302]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                      S. Hrg. 119-30256                          AGING WITH PURPOSE:7                          THE POSITIVE IMPACT8                     OF SENIORS IN TODAY'S ECONOMY9=======================================================================1011                                HEARING1213                               BEFORE THE1415                       SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING1617                          UNITED STATES SENATE1819                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2021                             FIRST SESSION2223                               __________2425                             WASHINGTON, DC2627                               __________2829                           DECEMBER 10, 20253031                               __________3233                           Serial No. 119-213435         Printed for the use of the Special Committee on Aging3637[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3839        Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov40                                __________4142                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4362-923 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 202644-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4546                       SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING4748                     RICK SCOTT, Florida, Chairman4950DAVE McCORMICK, Pennsylvania         KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York51JIM JUSTICE, West Virginia           ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts52TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama            MARK KELLY, Arizona53RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin               RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia54ASHLEY MOODY, Florida                ANDY KIM, New Jersey55JON HUSTED, Ohio                     ANGELA ALSOBROOKS, Maryland56                              ----------57                McKinley Lewis, Majority Staff Director58                Claire Descamps, Minority Staff Director5960                         C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S6162                              ----------6364                                                                   Page6566Opening Statement of Senator Rick Scott, Chairman................     167Opening Statement of Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Ranking68  Member.........................................................     36970                           PANEL OF WITNESSES7172Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &73  Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......     474Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,75  Florida........................................................     576Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public77  Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............     778Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment79  Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................     98081                                APPENDIX82                      Prepared Witness Statements8384Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &85  Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......    2686Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,87  Florida........................................................    2788Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public89  Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............    3590Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment91  Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................    469293                        Questions for the Record9495Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &96  Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......    5097Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,98  Florida........................................................    5199Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public100  Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............    52101Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment102  Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................    54103104                       Statements for the Record105106AARP Statement...................................................    58107Lauren S. Marinaro, Esq., Statement..............................    64108National Academy of Elder Attorneys Statement....................    66109Ryann M. Siclari, Esq., Statement................................    68110111                          AGING WITH PURPOSE:112                          THE POSITIVE IMPACT113                     OF SENIORS IN TODAY'S ECONOMY114115                              ----------116117                      Wednesday, December 10, 2025118119                                        U.S. Senate120                                 Special Committee on Aging121                                                    Washington, DC.122    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:32 p.m., Room123216, Hart Senate Office Building, Hon. Rick Scott, Chairman of124the Committee, presiding.125    Present: Senator Scott, Justice, Moody, Gillibrand, and126Alsobrooks.127128                 OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR129                      RICK SCOTT, CHAIRMAN130131    The Chairman. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging132will now come to order. I want to thank all of you for being133here.134    We've gathered to discuss a very important topic, not just135for our aging community, but also for generations planning for136retirement, and for those who won't be retiring for several137decades. Today's hearing will focus on the beneficial impact of138purpose in the lives of our seniors. I think that we'd all say139that, right? We all want to have purpose and what we can do as140elect officials to help foster a purpose-filled life for our141aging constituents.142    We are lucky to be joined by expert witnesses who can speak143to the impact of keeping seniors engaged in their communities144through business, education, and volunteering. Now, aging145Americans who remain engaged with purpose-driven lives create146benefits for themselves and our economy. Purpose and147fulfillment are powerful forces that enrich families,148strengthen our communities, and support the health and149longevity of our Nation and its people.150    Having a purpose is an essential part of the American151dream. It has long been an indicator of both mental and152physical well-being across all age groups. Purpose can be found153in many things, including parenting, caring for loved ones,154creating a business, and paid or volunteer work, but for155seniors, many of whom are adjusting to retirement and life as156empty nesters, purpose can sometimes seem hard to find.157However, we should see this phase of life as a new chapter one158where older Americans are empowered to stay active, pursue159passions, and give back in ways that matter to them, all while160reaping the rewards of connection, community, and better161physical and mental well-being.162    Here's the reality for a lot of folks preparing for163retirement. While we hope that every American spends their164working years working their dream jobs, that's not always the165case. Millions of Americans have great jobs, they save up for166retirement, and they look forward to chasing the dreams that167they might have put on pause in their golden years of168retirement.169    What I want this Committee to think about today is how do170we make sure that every American retiree can live their dreams171in their older years? How do we make sure they can take that172course at the local college that they've been wanting to take173for too long? How do we make sure they can start that coffee174shop or bookstore or bike shop they've always dreamed about?175How do we make sure folks stay connected with their communities176as they age and create value not only for themselves by keeping177purpose in their lives, but also help mentor the next178generation of leaders, coach the next generation of small179business owners, and pass along their years of wisdom and180experience in the process?181    Research shows that older adults who remain engaged,182whether through volunteering, mentoring, or taking on new183responsibilities, experience greater physical health, mental184resilience, and life satisfaction. Community involvement,185lifelong learning, and cross-generational connection are not186just beneficial for the individuals involved, they foster a187society where every generation thrives. Like I said before, for188some it will be taking a class or a course to explore an area189of interest, volunteering in the community, or dedicating time190to pursue a new hobby.191    For many seniors, purpose will be found in continuing to192work in some capacity. This could be in their previous193business, as a new part-time employee at a place they enjoy194frequently frequenting, or even branching out and starting195something new. We need to remove the red tape that hampers or196discourages older Americans from continuing work or starting197new businesses or careers. We also need to ensure we're198removing regulations and creating an economic environment that199fosters flourishing and keeps inflation down.200    We need to ensure that older Americans and future201generations can face retirement with a sense of financial202security and not a fear of inflation outpacing their nest egg.203This way, seniors are only working if they want to, not because204they have to. The only way to ensure this is to get the205government out of the way. We did this in Florida by cutting206taxes and costly and unnecessary regulations. We managed to207turn the economy around making it a beacon for businesses and208those wanting a full and purposeful life.209    To remind you as Governor, we cut taxes more than a hundred210times and slash more than 5,000 burdens from regulations. We211cut the time it took to get your license or permit from the212State of Florida from weeks to days. Florida businesses added2131.7 million jobs. We paid down more than $10 billion of our214debt, and we managed to increase the efficiency of government215to provide additional services for our citizens and our state,216including for our seniors.217    Because of these policies, Florida's well known as a place218that thousands and thousands of retirees' flock to every year,219especially this time of year escaping less financially220hospitable climates. In Florida, their dollars go farther and221they have communities and opportunities to experience222connection and fulfillment. Cutting taxes and creating a223freedom loving environment allows our senior citizens to thrive224and our retired citizens to enjoy the retirement that they work225so hard for. It allows our aging constituents the freedom and226stability to pursue their passions and build a life of purpose227and fulfillment.228    I look forward to a productive and meaningful conversation229on this important topic. Now, I'd like to recognize the Ranking230Member from New York, Senator Gillibrand, for her opening231statement.232233                 OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR234             KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, RANKING MEMBER235236    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Chairman Scott, and thank237you to the witnesses.238    Older adults have tremendous wisdom, work ethic, skills,239and really contribute to the economy. This was certainly the240case with one of my former staffers. I had a staffer named Geri241Shapiro who worked for Secretary Clinton when she was Senator242and then worked for me when I became Senator. Geri worked well243into her eighties, maybe even her nineties, as the head of our244Westchester regional office. She was the resident expert on the245nuclear facility. She took all the meetings about Indian Point.246She was one of the most knowledgeable, thoughtful, and wise247leaders we had in our office.248    I know that no matter what someone's age is, they can still249contribute meaningfully to the work of any organization, any250community, and any company. Many people want to return to work251for mental stimulation or community involvement, but too often252people return to work out of financial necessity. This is253especially true for 42 percent of private sector employees who254do not have access to employer retirement plans, and 44 percent255who do not participate regardless. Another factor compounding256this financial need is the reality that many people step back257from working and saving to care for children or aging parents.258    Today, you'll hear about the Senior Community Service259Employment Program or SCSEP. SCSEP is an Older Americans Act260program that helps older adults who face the most pressing261barriers to employment, such as those who are homeless or have262a disability, find meaningful work that they enjoy. SCSEP does263fantastic work to train and place older adults in meaningful264employment. It also serves as another reminder about why265passing the Older Americans Act reauthorization is so266important.267    I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about268the importance of the SCSEP program and the incredible269contributions that older adults provide in our workforce.270    The Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member.271    I'd now like to introduce our first witness, Jon Taffer. He272is a renowned entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and television273personality with nearly four decades of experience transforming274businesses and revitalizing communities. As the host of the hit275series Bar Rescue, Mr. Taffer has become a household name for276his hands-on approach to helping struggling businesses reach277their full potential.278    Beyond his business acumen, Jon is deeply committed to279community engagement and philanthropy. Through his ventures280such as Taffer's Tavern, he has championed initiatives that281support veterans and local nonprofits whose primary goal is to282make their communities a better place to live and work.283    He is living proof that business and community involvement284in your senior years is a path to power of purpose as insights285and experience are invaluable for our discussion here today.286Thank you for being here. You may begin your testimony.287288        STATEMENT OF JON TAFFER, CHAIRMAN & CEO, TAFFER289290         DYNAMICS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & HOST, PARAMOUNT291292           NETWORK'S "BAR RESCUE," LAS VEGAS, NEVEDA293294    Mr. Taffer. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and295members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to be296here today. It's an honor to speak with you on a topic that's297not only timely, but personal: aging with purpose.298    I started in hospitality in 1973 as a bartender at Barney's299Beanery in Hollywood, California. Five years later, I was300running the Troubadour nightclub, where legends took the stage301and music history was made. By the 1980's, I was operating my302own bar, and since then I've owned 17 different hospitality303businesses. These days I'm perhaps known as the executive304producer and host of Bar Rescue. What I do on that show is305really about one thing, helping people find their purpose306again, often when they've lost all hope.307    I've been fortunate to work with hundreds of business308owners on Bar Rescue, many of whom were hanging on by a thread309financially, emotionally, and many times both. What turns310things around for them isn't just better finances or improved311operations, it's when people reconnect with a sense of purpose,312when they remember why they started, and who they're doing it313for, and it doesn't just apply to business owners, it applies314to all of us, especially as we age.315    I've seen firsthand the moment when a senior regains a316sense of purpose. I change the lives of seniors so often,317whether it's through my show, mentorship programs, volunteer318work, or even rejoining the workforce. When they see hope and319feel accomplishment, they light up. Their posture changes,320their eyes light up. Everything about them changes in all of321their mannerisms and outlooks. Their energy, commitment, and322attitude often rival employees half their age.323    Many people lose purpose in phases. First, the kids leave324home, then later they retire. Maybe they lose their home, they325stop mowing their lawn. Without the structure of a job, co-326workers, or daily goals, they're left unanchored. We spend327decades striving, raising families, building careers, solving328problems, and suddenly that drive doesn't have anywhere to go.329It disappears.330    When even a small sense of accomplishment or a chance to331help someone reenters their lives, when they become part of a332team again, or offer guidance to someone just starting out,333it's powerful. It changes lives, and I've seen it hundreds of334times, and in some cases, it extends those lives.335    This isn't just anecdotal. Research shows people who have a336sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. Purpose improves337mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life,338and seniors are a massive, often overlooked reservoir of339knowledge, skill, and mentorship just waiting to be activated.340    In hospitality for example, immigrant business owners341account for approximately 40 percent of the industry. They're342often self-taught operating with passion, with little formal343business training. Imagine pairing these owners with retired344professionals who spent their careers, managing teams,345overseeing logistics, or running companies. This is a win-win.346The business gets expert advice. The seniors get purpose,347respect, and a chance to make an impact.348    I applaud the work already being done by the Small Business349Administration and local chambers of commerce to support350mentorship, but the demand far exceeds the supply. SCORE, the351Service Corps of Retired business Rxecutives is a good example352which could use more resources. We need to make it easier and353more rewarding for seniors to step back into these roles or354even part-time or volunteer basis. The strength of this country355isn't found in a boardroom. Nope. It's not even found here in356the Senate. I dare to say it's found in a 34 million small357businesses across America that are part of their communities358that provide purpose, and in the millions of experienced359Americans who are ready to contribute, if only we give them the360opportunity.361    Purpose is what gets us up every morning, and everyone362deserves to feel that purpose. Whether you're 22 or 72. Helping363others gives me purpose. Seeing dreams come back to life when364people think all is lost is one of the most meaningful things365I've done in my career. On tv, it may look like I have all the366answers, but I'm still learning every day. What I do have is 40367years of hard-earned lessons, and I'm here today to share what368I've learned, that age is not the end of value, it's the369multiplier of it.370    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.371    The Chairman. Thank you. We all like your show.372    Mr. Taffer. Thank you.373    The Chairman. Also from the great State of Florida, I'd374like to introduce Dr. Paul Broadie. He's been the President of375Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida since February 2020.376Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his wave room377commitment to student success, innovation, and community378engagement. Under his leadership, Santa Fe College has379continued its tradition of academic excellence and expanded its380reach as an institution for both academic and workforce381education programs.382    His vision for Santa Fe College is rooted in the pillars of383student success, institutional growth, innovation, and384meaningful partnerships. His leadership is marked by a deep385belief in the transformative power of education and a386commitment to shattering barriers that impede student success.387Thank you for being here, and please begin your testimony.388389         STATEMENT OF DR. PAUL BROADIE II, PRESIDENT,390             SANTA FE COLLEGE, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA391392    Dr. Broadie. Thank you. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member393Gillibrand, and members of the Committee, thank you for the394opportunity to speak with you today, and thank you for395centering this topic on an area that deeply resonates with the396work that we do at Santa Fe College and Community Colleges397across the Nation.398    I want to thank Senator Scott and Senator Moody for their399ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities in400Florida. The Florida Public University and college system has401been ranked number one in the Nation for the past nine years.402Our state has kept tuition low and outcomes high, and our403community colleges have played a vital role in ensuring that404learning remains accessible at every age and every stage of405life.406    At Santa Fe College and at our community colleges across407the country, older adults are not simply participants in408lifelong learning. They're contributors to the workforce,409they're mentors, they're role models, and they are tremendous410sources of wisdom for the students and the institutions around411them.412    Last year alone, more than 90,000 Americans, aged 50 and413older earned a degree or certificate from a community college.414That reflects a powerful truth: older adults want to keep415learning. They want to remain engaged, and they want to stay416connected to a changing world. Community colleges are uniquely417positioned to support these individuals. At Santa Fe College,418more than 1200 of our degree seeking students are over the age419of 40. They are enrolled in programs such as health sciences,420IT, the trades, short term certifications, and apprenticeship421programs.422    At our business incubators and business incubators across423the Nation, community colleges are housing older Americans who424are exploring how to turn their passions into businesses. At425Santa Fe College, we currently have 11 entrepreneurs in their42640's, 50's, and 60's, planning to launch a new business from427our business incubator. Stories like these are not rare.428They're part of the community college mission. Our commitment429to older adults also includes programs that help families in430those experiencing life transitions.431    Santa Fe Colleges workforce award-winning program, ACB432Excel provides a two-generation model where we target433unemployed and underemployed individuals who are mostly over434the age of 40, and we provide them with short-term rapid435credentialing so that they can thrive in the workforce. These436individuals over the years, we've done it four years in a row437and the job placement rate has been a 100 percent. That438provides family stability for these individuals.439    Another cornerstone of our efforts, are programs like our440Displaced Homemaker program. Over the past 40 years, we've put4414,500 individuals into our Displaced Homemaker program and442allowed them to reenter the workforce after the death of a443spouse, a divorce, or a major event. Programs like this provide444an economic pathway to stability.445    Nationally, 63 percent of our veteran students are aged 30446or older. Santa Fe College and colleges across the Nation447provide vital avenues for veterans to transition from military448service to civilian careers. Beyond degrees, Colleges across449the Nation are offering a wide array of non-credit community450education courses to help older adults learn new skills,451explore hobbies, and start new businesses. Nearly 65 percent of452our community education participants are over the age of 50.453    Florida, and many other states also offer the opportunity454for residents aged 60 and older to audit academic courses free455of charge. These students receive high access to quality456instruction without a financial barrier. We also partner with457retirement communities and assisted living centers to bring458educational experiences directly into the facilities for the459older learners, and our older adults, they volunteer on our460campuses, they serve on our advisory boards, and they volunteer461to teach at our institutions.462    As this Committee considers the impact of seniors in463today's economy, I encourage you to continue recognizing and464investing in the vital role that community colleges play. We465are the most accessible point of entry into higher education.466We are local, we are affordable, we are flexible, and we are467deeply connected to the communities that we serve. With a468modest investment in community colleges, we can scale programs469that support workforce reentry, re-skill individuals, enable470individuals to launch new careers, improve mental engagement,471reduce social isolation, and promote lifelong learning.472    Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and members of473the Committee, when we invest in lifelong learning, we474strengthen our workforce and we build communities where every475individual, regardless of age, has the opportunity to learn,476contribute, and flourish.477    Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to478America's older adults. Thank you.479    The Chairman. Thank you for your testimony. Santa Fe has480been really successful for a long time. Jackson Sasser did a481good job, and you're doing a great job.482    I'd like to welcome back before the Committee, Rachel483Greszler. She's a nationally recognized expert on workforce,484retirement, and fiscal policy. She's a senior research fellow485at the Heritage Foundation. She has spent over a decade486analyzing, advising on issues such as fiscal policy, pensions,487and labor policy. Before joining Heritage in 2013, she served488as a senior economist for the Joint Economic Committee of489Congress for seven years.490    Her research is marked by a commitment to promoting491economic growth, individual freedom, and fiscal responsibility.492Her expectation and passion for practical people-focused493solutions make her an invaluable resource for today's494discussion on the role of purpose, responsibility, and495engagement in later life.496    Thanks for being here and look forward to your testimony.497498         STATEMENT OF RACHEL GRESZLER, SENIOR RESEARCH499500             FELLOW, WORKFORCE AND PUBLIC FINANCE,501502            THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON, DC503504    Ms. Greszler. Thank you. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member505Gillibrand, and members of the Committee, good afternoon and506thank you for the opportunity to be here today.507    I would like to focus on three points in my remarks. First,508is that demographic shifts mean that older Americans are509increasingly vital contributors to our economy. Second,510cultural ails cry out for older generations to impart their511wisdom, judgment, and resilience on younger generations, and512third, policymakers should make it easier for older Americans513to remain engaged in meaningful activities.514    Older Americans currently make up a greater share of the515population and of the workforce than ever before, and that516trend will continue amidst a declining fertility rate, rising517life expectancies, and the aging of the baby boomers. By 2034,518there will be for the first time in history, more seniors in519America than there are children. The good news is that older520Americans labor force participation has been rising, and521because of health improvements as well as less physically522demanding jobs, studies show that there's room for even greater523expansion.524    When I think about aging with purpose, I think about a525gentleman named Clement Troutman. Clement had a long and526successful career in the Navy, and then as a defense527contractor. Instead of retiring early, Clement decided at age52860 to pursue his dream of owning his own business, and he529opened a tropical smoothie cafe. Having turned 67 on Monday of530this week, Clement now operates that cafe, which is one of the531chain's most successful stores, alongside his daughter and he532also opened two more stores in 2025.533    Now, these stores are clearly improving the economy, but534equally important is that Clements continued engagement is535improving people's lives. I can't give justice to the passion536and the joy that Clement has for his employees, or the positive537impact that I imagine he's having on them, other than to say, I538wish that my two teenage sons could be working for him.539    Clement actually says he doesn't have employees. Rather, he540has team members. They're his dream team, and whether they are541high schoolers working part-time, or single parents providing542for their families, Clement sits down twice a year with each of543his team members to give them feedback on their work and see544how he can help them to reach their goals.545    This influence of older generations setting standards and546mentoring younger ones is a prescription for reversing some of547society's most troubling trends. A recent Understanding America548study revealed the single biggest decline of any character549trait in recorded history, and that decline is in550conscientiousness among younger Americans ages 16 to 39.551Younger people today are more careless and distracted. They're552less tenacious and resilient. They make fewer commitments, and553they often fail to follow through on the ones that they do554make.555    There are also four million fewer young people working556today than there were in 2000. Perhaps more than ever, younger557Americans need to engage with and learn from older Americans,558and while policymakers can't force these continued connections,559they can remove obstacles that make it harder for older560Americans to stay engaged. One way to do that is by eliminating561Social Security's retirement earnings test. These little-known562and outdated earnings test effectively takes away $1 in Social563Security benefits for $2 in every earnings over $23,000 per564year if those individuals are under age 67.565    Now that can lead to marginal tax rates as high as 84566percent on middle income seniors, which not surprisingly causes567many of them to work less than they would otherwise choose to.568Eliminating the earnings test would increase employment,569increase incomes and economic output, and it would boost tax570revenues and actually improve Social Security solvency. It571would also eliminate all the confusion that seniors face with572this test, and it would make the Social Security573administration's job a lot easier. This could also offer a rare574bipartisan solution. After all the last time that Congress575addressed the earnings test in 2000, they passed a fully576bipartisan bill.577    The Modern Worker Empowerment Act is another bill that578would make it easier for seniors to transition from traditional579employment into flexible contract-based work, and Senator580Scott's Health Freedom Accounts proposal would allow581individuals, including seniors to directly receive federal582healthcare subsidy and health savings accounts that they own583and that they can use for future healthcare costs instead of584that money going to insurers, even if they don't spend it on585healthcare.586    Nothing I'm advocating requires any more or any less587government spending. By simply removing existing barriers,588policymakers can make it easier for seniors to strengthen the589economy and the fabric of society.590    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.591    The Chairman. Thank you. Good job.592    Now, I'd like to recognize the Ranking Member Gillibrand to593introduce the next witness.594    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Chairman Scott. I want to595move to introduce our next witness, Christine Osasu. Ms. Osasu596has been director of the Senior Community Service Employment597Program at Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia for the past three598years where she champions economic opportunity and workforce599inclusion for older adults across Georgia.600    Ms. Osasu expanded Legacy Link's reach through targeted601digital empowerment programs, helping older adults build602essential technology skills for today's job market. Previously,603she was the director of Strategic Marketing Communications604Grant Development at Habitat for Humanity of Hall County.605    Ms. Osasu, you may begin your testimony.606607            STATEMENT OF CHRISTINE OSASU, DIRECTOR,608609              SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT610611             PROGRAM, LEGACY LINK, OAKWOOD, GEORGIA612613    Ms. Osasu. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and614distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for this615opportunity. It is a privilege afforded to very few to speak616before this esteemed body, and I do so with both deep gratitude617and a profound responsibility to the seniors in my community.618Their stories deserve to be heard, and I'm honored to share a619few of them with you today.620    My name is Christine Osasu, and for the past 10 years, I621have served Georgia's most vulnerable populations. First at the622Habitat for Humanity and for the last four years as the623director of the Senior Community Service Employment Program at624the Legacy Link, a non-profit area agency on aging. Our SCESP625program serves 107 counties as a proud sub-grantee of the626National Council on Aging.627    Today, I'm here to share how SCSEP has transformed lives,628empowering older adults to reenter the workforce, reclaim their629confidence, affirm their value, pay taxes, and take meaningful630steps toward self-sufficiency. I'm also here to share the631devastating impact of the four and a half month funding pause,632a crisis that left nearly 30,000 seniors across the country in633limbo without income, structure, or support. I'm grateful to634ranking member Gillibrand for leading a group letter,635addressing the funding delay, and to Chairman Scott and Ranking636Member Gillibrand for their bipartisan efforts to reintroduce637the Older Americans Act reauthorization.638    SCSEP authorized under the OAA, is a federally funded job639training program for low-income seniors age 55 and up. It640operates much like a paid internship, providing seniors hands-641on training at nonprofit and government agencies. Host agencies642gain skill dedicated workers at no cost, many of whom643transition into permanent roles. Investing in seniors means644investing in experience, reliability, and resilience. Seniors645are valuable, capable members of the workforce who enrich every646organization they join.647    When given the opportunity, these older workers support648themselves with dignity, reducing reliance on public649assistance. Mrs. Plant, age 59 shared her story. "After losing650my husband to COVID in 2020, I became homeless. Bouncing651between shelters and motels. SCSEP helped me stabilize my life.652It allowed me to cover basic needs, pursue training in medical653coding, and give back by serving meals at the soup kitchen.654Without it, I'd be at risk of losing everything again."655    The critical role of SCSEP was apparent this year. The656Department of Labor's delay in releasing SCSEP funds furloughed657thousands of participants and dismantled the program's658infrastructure nationwide. The participants who faced this659leave without pay, suffer through missed meals, skipped660medications, unstable housing, grandchildren going without661school supplies, and growing uncertainty about the future,662especially as they were not eligible for unemployment, and663we're still rebuilding from this setback.664    To some, a 7.25 an hour training wage may seem665insignificant, but for someone surviving on less than $1,600666per month, this paid training is a bridge to financial667security. A short while into the pause, an undeliverable letter668led to an unexpected heartbreak. When I called the participant669to verify his address, he said, "Ms. Christine, I wish I could670give you an updated address, but I don't have one. I couldn't671pay for my housing. I've maxed out my time in the shelter, and672now I'm living in a tent."673    Regardless of income, seniors face persistent age674discrimination in the workforce. Imagine applying for a job675without an email or computer skills, a reality for many676seniors. SCSEP provides tools and training to overcome those677barriers. Last year, we launched a digital empowerment program678giving participants tablets and tech training, opening doors to679jobs and independence. SCSEP delivers a strong return on680investment by preparing seniors for meaningful employment,681benefiting not just the individual, but society at large.682    Beyond financial security, SCSEP reduces social isolation683and boost mental and physical health, creating healthy,684engaged, older adults, a vital asset for our economy. With the685right tools and opportunities, seniors don't just participate,686they lead, mentor, and multiply impact. SCSEP is the key to687stronger businesses, reduced public spending, and a more688inclusive and resilient workforce.689    Thank you for your commitment to our seniors. I urge you to690remain diligent in the fight for a better world for older691Americans because we are all aging and we deserve to age well.692    The Chairman. Thank you very much. Now we're going to start693with questions with Senator Moody.694    Senator Moody. Thank you, Chairman Scott, Ranking Member695Gillibrand, you have done such a great job of holding these696hearings and making them relevant to the issues that seniors697are facing today, and I commend you for that.698    I don't know that the Aging Committee has ever been this699active, and I think it's fabulous. Coming from the Silver700State, the great free State of Florida, Senator Scott and I are701grateful and we're getting a lot out of these hearings. Thank702you to our amazing witnesses here today. I will note that two703of them are Floridians. One more recent than the other, but704certainly two are Floridians.705    I wanted to start talking about a stat that workers ages 55706or older have been the fastest growing age group in the labor707force for more than two decades making up 24 percent of the708U.S. workforce in 2022, and they're going to continue to be a709vibrant part of our workforce. I don't think this is changing710anytime soon as we heard from one of our witnesses who provided711some great stats. Some never left the workforce. I think we712heard testimony of a specific case where they went straight713from retiring from a defense contractor into owning a tropical714smoothie. They never leave. There's never a break, and others715are trying to reenter the workforce. Some will face barriers to716that reentry.717    We are hearing from institutions like Santa Fe Community718College or State College to talk about how they're assisting in719filling those learning gaps or helping retrain or re-skill720people to enter back into the workforce and offer training for721older adults, and while older adults can obtain the necessary722skills to succeed in the workforce, they can find employment,723expand their businesses, and build a community while supporting724themselves.725    One of the things Mr. Broadie I think that's so great about726what you've done since you took over at Santa Fe, is you were727very focused not on the traditional array of available degrees728like associate's degrees, bachelor degrees, but you were729focused also on reskilling and upskilling opportunities, and I730think that you stated that you have been working with older731Floridians to receive credentialing and even other skills to732enter back into the workforce.733    Just quickly, what is the primary motivating factor of734those that are seeking to do that at Santa Fe in their senior735years?736    Dr. Broadie. The majority of them, it's a second career and737it's primarily focused on income, sustaining themselves738financially. We launched a CDL program, 46 percent of739participants were aged 50 and older. It was short term, so they740don't want to necessarily spend getting an associate's degree.741They want to do something short term that provides a financial742stability for themselves.743    Senator Moody. I noticed that you--and I don't know that744you talked about this in your testimony, but in your biography,745you talked about offering scholarships for short term746credentialing. Are those also available for older Floridians?747    Dr. Broadie. Yes. The ACB program that I spoke about is748open to all individuals that are unemployed and underemployed,749but that is fully funded by philanthropic dollars and the750majority of participants in there are older adults.751    Senator Moody. I want to commend you for thinking outside752the traditional educational opportunities at our state colleges753and community colleges, even our universities. I think for so754long we have thought about college meaning one thing and trade755school or skills development, meaning something else, but in756reality, both are trying to skill people to enter into a757workforce.758    If we're entering into a time period, and I believe it's759been banged into people's heads for so long that they should go760to college to be successful, and we've got to unwind what that761means. Success is actually getting a skill to be able to762provide for your family and having purpose in your life.763    I love the colleges and institutions that are saying, okay,764what are our workforce demands right now in our area or in our765state? What are our companies and our businesses saying we need766this to thrive, we need this type of workforce, this skilled767workforce. I'm loving that colleges are thinking about, okay,768if they need these skills and if maybe these have been769credentialed and maybe different type of certificate program or770other type of program in the past, how can we blend that771together with a college degree and earn credits toward an AA?772Maybe they could start working right away and continue on and773get a degree later if they want, but it goes toward that.774    Do you find that that's attractive not just to seniors, but775also younger folks that maybe really have that pull to go to a776college or a community college or even a university but yet777want to start working and want to get a trade and maybe do both778at the same time?779    Dr. Broadie. That is very attractive, and one of the things780that we strategically do is we work very closely, you mentioned781it, with business and industry and we develop programs that are782matched to the needs of business and industry, and then we783create these stackable opportunities where you can get a784jumpstart, you can get out into the workforce, and then you can785come back to us and finish your degree, while you're working.786    Senator Moody. Do it while you're in the workforce, right?787    Dr. Broadie. Yes.788    Senator Moody. I want to commend you for that, for789thinking--I noticed with your background and your initiative790since you took over, of course you're thinking outside the box791in the great free State of Florida, that's what we do. That's792why we're the number one college and university system in the793Nation, but I really do think we have to start thinking about794that for all of our colleges and universities.795    If kids are drawn and seniors, really any stage of life,796are drawn to an educational institution, but want to get a797valuable trade and skill to work, how can we start blending798those? I really commend you for taking that step and making799that available and the great city of Gainesville, Florida.800Thank you.801    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Moody. I'll turn it over802to Ranking Member Gillibrand.803    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you very much. I want to talk804about the funding freeze for the SCSEP program. Since this805hearing was originally scheduled for July, the SCSEP program806has experienced a four-and-a-half-month delay in federal807funding. This funding lapse was devastating, not only for SCSEP808staff, but also for program participants who saw SCSEP as the809last hope to rejoin the workforce.810    As we heard earlier, for one older adult, this funding811lapse cost them their home. This year, billions in federal812funding have been delayed, withheld, and sometimes canceled813completely. The pain this causes is not abstract. It hurts real814people and especially the most vulnerable.815    Ms. Osasu, can you please talk about the impact of this816funding lapse on your program and the older adults it serves?817Can you also elaborate on why this shouldn't happen again?818    Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Ranking Member Gillibrand. The harm819of the funding pause cannot be overstated. The delay stripped820away hope from a people that were already very fragile, and in821most cases, SCSEP was the first employment opportunity that had822said yes to them in a very long time, in a long string of nos,823and when something like that happens, the harm is immediate. As824you know, this meant homelessness for some, others it meant825rationing their medication. One woman told me about how she was826splitting her pills and taking one here and one there instead827of taking the recommended amount because she didn't have828funding any longer.829    It also took a mental toll on my participants who many of830them shared their suicidal ideation, their total loss of hope.831They didn't know what was going to happen. This was their832connection to the community. This was their income. This833informed every section of their life, and although the funds834were eventually released, the damage was already done.835Restoring funding didn't magically make their homelessness now836go away. It didn't cure the harm of that profound loss of hope,837and it should have never happened.838    Programs like SCSEP are not luxuries they are investments839in vulnerable populations and older adults and investments into840our community, and when the funding is paused for any of these841necessary programs, the price is paid in human suffering, and842once the damage is done, there are no quick fixes.843    Senator Gillibrand. In combating homelessness, this past844July, after sending a letter to the Department of Labor845demanding the administration release the SCSEP funding, I held846a listening session and heard from over 70 older adults about847the impact of the SCSEP funding pause on their careers and848daily lives. During this listening session, people talked about849the incredible purpose SCSEP gave them, as well as the tangible850impact it had on their financial health.851    SCSEP serves people who have faced the most pressing852lifelong barriers to savings and employment. Can you share any853other stories about the SCSEP that SCSEP has helped people and854what ways it made a difference in lifting them out of their855dire circumstances and specifically combating homelessness?856    Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Ranking Member Gillibrand for the857question. The first person that comes to mind for me is a woman858that I met in a rural mountain county in North Georgia. When we859first spoke, she was living in a tent on a mountainside. She860was clearly embarrassed of her situation. She was bathing in861perfume, doing the best she could to present herself in a862favorable light despite her situation. She was ashamed. She863told me how embarrassed she was to talk to her children. It put864this void in her life. She wasn't proud of herself and what was865going on.866    SCSEP, we partnered with her. We worked step by step to867untangle these complex problems that people in poverty have,868and through her SCSEP job training program, we were able to869first find her a host agency where she could receive that paid870job training. She began training as a receptionist and then we871found her a room share situation so she had a place to live, so872it was just kind of each little piece at a time.873    Tthat's what we do in SCSEP, is we identify their barriers.874We make a personalized job training plan and it has to address875all of those issues because you can't have a person get a job876if they are homeless, if they are not showering, if there's a877transportation issue. Transportation came up as well. Her truck878broke down. We worked with the host agency to be able to get879her a bus ticket so that she could get back and forth where she880needed to go.881    If you met that woman today, you would have no idea that882she was living on a mountainside in North Georgia with these883types of problems, because she was able to rebuild her life,884but she needed the extra help. She was never going to do it on885her own. She needed a social worker to work through each of886those individual issues.887    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you.888    Ms. Osasu. Yes, ma'am.889    The Chairman. Senator Justice.890    Senator Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member,891thank our witnesses. Now I'm going to go a little bit different892way because I'm not much of a politician and I'm a new kid on893the block here that's got a lot of white hair and maybe a894little bit of wisdom, but a whole lot of white hair.895    Let me just say just this. If you could just think about896this, in the State of West Virginia where I'm from, there's897lots and lots and lots of seniors with lots and lots of898challenges and we all know that and everything. A lot of these899seniors are not quietly going into being seniors and they900absolutely desire so much, but absolutely we some way, somehow901have gotten completely away from it in my book.902    You see, I think they want hope and they want belief and903they want interaction and they want goodness with young people.904They have an ability to contribute that's off the charts. We905need to quit teaching them how to play shuffleboard or teaching906them how to knit or teaching them how to be together with one907another. They don't want to be with other seniors. For god's908sake, for a living they want to be with kids. They want to be,909believe it or not, with baby dog, they want to be absolutely910with a purpose, with a challenge.911    I wish to goodness we'd rename them instead of calling them912seniors, we'd call them wisdom. Because really and truly, why913should they be labeled? Labeled, "Oh, those are just seniors,914you know, they're very limited in what they can do." Well, I915don't believe that. I've never believed that. They could give916us so much it is unbelievable, and in so many situations we917just back away, and then we struggle with all the different918challenges that they may have, and they surely do have so many919obstacles. They're forgotten in too many ways.920    We absolutely should remember that forevermore. Again, all921you witnesses are fantastic, and I salute the great job you do922in every way. You know, I've seen Brother Jon in action, you923know, and I commend you beyond belief because you're doing924something where you're stepping up. You're stepping up after925you're phenomenally, phenomenally, you know, successful in926every way, but then you're giving back and you're stepping up927and you're getting so many people involved it's unbelievable.928    You know, I'd just like to just say this. First of all,929thank you to all. Jon, especially thank you to you. Let me just930ask just this. In West Virginia, we're growing in hospitality931like crazy, tourism is exploding in lots of different ways. You932need workers, you need absolute workers. You love to have933skilled workers. You love to have people that are genuinely934concerned and value the job.935    You know, my question would be just really simple. You936know, how have you found and filled those positions? How,937absolutely can you tell us how you can work through the wickets938on the workforce gaps? Can you tell us just how strong the939contributors are when you get the right folks of our wisdom,940not our seniors, on day one?941    Mr. Taffer. Thank you for the question, Senator Justice. A942quick story on what you said. Years ago when I was young and943not as wise as I am today, I had a senior mentor who walked944with a walker, and we would take walks together from place to945place, and I would ask questions and he would mentor me during946these walks. And as a young individual, I got so frustrated by947the pace of his walking until one day I realized, wait a948minute. The slower he walks, the more questions I can ask, the949more time I have to interact. And I learned to appreciate that950slow walk and the benefit I had once I had that realization was951very powerful to me.952    You know, another story, sir, if I can I owned a restaurant953years ago that was losing a lot of money. I had tried a number954of managers and in my industry, finding management and human955resources has been a challenge for us for many years. There was956a gentleman who retired as an auto mechanic. He was almost 70957years old. He couldn't work with his hands anymore like he used958to.959    You know, he knew supply, he knew training, he knew running960a business. He knew customer service. I gave this man the keys961to my restaurant. From losing over 200,000 a year, I started962making about 300,000 a year in almost no time. The employees963loved him. He elevated the team. He was a person of respect and964integrity. I share that there's a whole bunch of seniors that965are impacted.966    The relationship with SBA to the mission of this Committee967is important too. As I travel across the country, I've helped968thousands of small businesses in almost every state of our969union. Every demographic, every market type you can imagine,970and the connectivity to seniors and small business is a971powerful one. When I look at the cost of living impact today,972post pandemic impacts today, you know, the SBA and the mission973of this Committee could be linked better.974    You know, I look at how the SEC, for example, doesn't allow975an unaccredited investor to put everything on the line and lose976everything they own, but yet in a business environment, in an977SBA environment, that can happen, so I just want to iterate978that there's an opportunity to cross train, cross utilize979seniors that isn't quite realized.980    One last point, as one who consults to large corporations,981many of them, and one who helps small businesses, my passion is982the small business. It's a lot easier to place a senior in a983smaller business than it is a major corporation. It just is.984That's just the way it is today. And again, I suggest that SBA985and the small business segment of America can help solve some986of the problems that we have in aging.987    One more point, and then I'll be finished, Senator. When988you hire a senior person for a community-based business, that989older individual has hundreds of relationships in that990marketplace that the young employee does not have. It's a991marketing machine. It's a connective tissue to the community to992drive revenues. When we think of the relationship power of the993seniors, not only the experience, that's a powerful asset to a994business.995    I think we would be better served if we communicated these996things to the marketplace better in that people don't want to997invest in a senior because they don't get the long-term998benefit, but business is about short-term objectives to achieve999long-term benefits. And those seniors can help with those1000short-term objectives in every case. I hope I answered your1001question, sir.1002    Senator Justice. You did very well, sir and I appreciate1003you. Let me say one more thing before we leave, and that's just1004this, our Chairman and our Ranking Member, they have done a1005marvelous job. You should really be really proud of all the1006good stuff you're doing, so I thank them too.1007    The Chairman. Thank you.1008    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you.1009    The Chairman. You know Jon, when my daughters worked at1010restaurants in high school, I went there a lot more.1011    Mr. Taffer. Yep, that's exactly correct.1012    The Chairman. I can remember one of them, I really liked1013the restaurant, but once she stopped working there, it was just1014a little far, too far to go, but I went there every week when1015she worked there.1016    Mr. Taffer. You know, we talk about connectivity for1017seniors. When you work in a small business in the heart of a1018town, it increases that connectivity too and that sense of1019purpose for sure.1020    The Chairman. Yes. Generally, you know, there's some1021studies that the number one reason people go to certain1022restaurants or bars is that someone remembers them.1023    Mr. Taffer. No question. Especially when they connect with1024you, you go back to see your buddy Joe.1025    The Chairman. Dr. Broadie, many older Americans are eager1026to remain active in the workforce but need to update their1027skills. How can our colleges and universities, especially our1028community colleges expand access to affordable and short-term1029programs tailored to seniors who want to re-skill or pivot1030careers?1031    Dr. Broadie. I think colleges need to be very intentional1032in working with the business and industry to determine where1033the gaps are and what the needs are and then develop programs1034such as what we've done, programs that specifically target1035individuals and then train them for those skills. This way you1036get to places of 100 percent job placement because the students1037are trained for exactly what the employers are looking for.1038    It's been very successful at Santa Fe College. It's very1039important that we are nimble and putting students into1040employment that the employers are looking for, putting them1041into degree programs and certificate programs that the1042employers are looking for.1043    The Chairman. Yes, you have to think of a student that1044finishes and there's no job where somebody--I mean, I think a1045lot of schools around the country have lied to them. I remember1046when I was Governor, I was talking to all these kids and1047they're telling me about these degrees I said, "Is there even a1048job?"1049    Rachel, you've written extensively about the economic value1050of work across all ages. What trends are you seeing in senior1051labor force participation and what policies can encourage older1052Americans who want to start a business or keep working to do1053so?1054    Ms. Greszler. One of the most positive trends, I think has1055been the increase in the ability to work independently, whether1056you call that freelancing, gig work, independent contractor,1057but to be able to retire from the traditional nine to five job,1058having to report to the boss on their time and to be able to1059shift into this type of work. I've seen it in my grandfather1060and in both of my parents. And it's just a way to be able to1061remain engaged and yet to still have the freedom and the1062flexibility to maybe go care for grandchildren, volunteering,1063just pursuing those things that you wanted to do in your golden1064years.1065    One statistic said that 29 percent of the baby boom1066professionals are freelancing in some capacity. I think that's1067a great thing, but there are additional steps that could be1068taken to help make that more accessible. Particularly measures1069that would allow those individuals to still be able to get the1070traditional workplace benefits. Healthcare is extremely1071important if you're not yet of Medicare age, but to be able to1072have access to that healthcare.1073    There's things like the unlocking benefits for Independent1074Workers Act that would allow those individuals to still1075contribute into retirement account, still get that healthcare1076from an employer, even if they're only a contractor. Definitely1077clarifying the rule on who can and can't be an independent1078contractor through the Modern Worker Empowerment Act would1079help. Then your Healthcare Freedom Accounts proposal would be a1080great way for individuals to be able to actually build savings1081up that they can use even in the future when they are on1082Medicare, but to have that money that could help them pay for1083the out-of-pocket costs.1084    The Chairman. Perfect. Christine, many of the communities1085you serve are rural or small towns. How does the "Aging with1086purpose" conversation differ in those areas compared to urban1087ones, especially in terms of civic engagement, job access, and1088social connections?1089    Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Chairman Scott. That's an excellent1090question. In the rural areas, we talk a lot about the digital1091divide. I'm sure you've all heard digital divide. What we're1092really saying is if they don't have access to internet, if they1093don't have access to the training to utilize a computer or a1094smartphone and so forth, they are suffering in this digital1095divide. When we think about rural areas, there's going to be1096less opportunity just by virtue of there's less businesses for1097them to train at, less nonprofits for them to go gain skills1098and so forth.1099    When we think about seniors in rural communities, we really1100think about that digital divide and the way to address that, of1101course, is to ensure that everybody has access to internet.1102Then additionally, everyone has access to the training to1103utilize that internet. As I said, we implemented a job training1104program with tablets. You can't just hand a tablet and a1105keyboard to a senior and say, "All right, you got internet, you1106got your tablet, you're ready to go."1107    Now there's a few steps after that that have to be taken,1108but once you take those steps, they can become data managers.1109That's a real story I've seen that happen. Took a woman who had1110never used a computer and two years later she got a job as a1111data manager, so just a little investment goes a long way in1112those rural communities.1113    The Chairman. Jon, what would you say to someone who is1114later in their stage of life and is interested in starting a1115business, but feels it may be too late?1116    Mr. Taffer. I think that, obviously there's mitigated1117risks: location, finances, revenue, potential and all of that,1118but, you know, if I could tell another story, I was told that1119I'd never be on TV, Senator. I was told that I was too ugly and1120not good looking enough, it'll never happen. One day I realized1121that I'm the only person who can say no to me, and they're the1122only person who can say no to them.1123    I would suggest that they say yes to that. And the other1124interesting thing I would say is if a senior's going to get1125into a small business today it's a different economic1126environment and sure costs are higher. It isn't the cost1127that'll take you down, it's the inability to manage those costs1128that'll take a business down. It's management skills more than1129the actual economic environment that we live in.1130    I think any dollar invested in the programs that you're1131doing that provide budgetary management skills, supply side1132skills, marketing skills, all of these skills will allow us to1133thrive in almost any economic environment if we know how to1134manage those costs well, and I think a lot of that is1135education. You know, yesterday when I was speaking to minority1136members, Gillibrand's team, we talked about 401(k)'s for a1137couple minutes and the power of 401(k)'s. I said something I1138had never quite thought about before. I see them smiling back1139there.1140    You know, we talk about 401(k)'s, but we never sell it. We1141never sell it. You know, we talk about the features of a1142401(k), but do we ever really talk about the benefits? For1143example, if you're 25 years old and you invest in a 401(k),1144when you're 45 years old, you could be a millionaire. We never1145send those messages that----1146    The Chairman. I remember back where I was working, they1147never told me to do it.1148    Mr. Taffer. There's a pot of gold at the end of that.1149    The Chairman. Part of it is they were going to have to put1150up some of the money.1151    Mr. Taffer. Yes.1152    The Chairman. Economics is telling them not to do it.1153    Mr. Taffer. Well, I had my own employees vote if they want1154a 401(k) program or a bonus at the end of the year. They voted1155for the bonus at the end of the year, but the fact is that's1156very shortsighted. My point is, sometimes I think these things1157could be sold in a more motivating way to create greater1158participation.1159    The Chairman. Ranking Member Gillibrand.1160    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. This is for all the1161witnesses. I just want you to talk a little bit about why1162working is so meaningful to our older adults. Older adults1163often experience decline in social relations and their sense of1164belonging, increasing the risk of isolation. The benefits of1165social interaction and sense of belonging include emotional1166health, physical health, enhanced cognitive function, increased1167longevity.1168    Working can provide people with a strong sense of purpose,1169and it fosters a feeling of contributing something bigger1170themselves. The development of proactive mindset and building1171relationships and records of achievement. We saw this in my1172older employee, Geri Shapiro. She retired in her 80's. She was1173the oldest federal employee in the whole Federal Government1174ever. It's because she just loved serving the people of New1175York. Not only did she have a sense of purpose, but she was not1176only a mentor and a role model for all my junior staff, but1177they all relied on her for advice and guidance. She had a sense1178of family as well being part of our team.1179    I'd love to hear from you about what experience you've seen1180in terms of work participation and opportunity impacting the1181lives of seniors and what tangible society or the community1182benefits are derived from that activity. Jon, you can start and1183then we can go across the table.1184    Mr. Taffer. You know, earlier today the word hope was used,1185and you know, when I find I'm a little unique because I go into1186a struggling situation. They're in trouble when I walk in.1187Their houses are on the line. Their family future is on the1188line. Retirement dollars are at risk. It's a bad situation that1189I walk into. Hope is gone.1190    I find that if I educate without the hope, I'm not1191incentivizing progress. I think one of the greatest1192opportunities we have is to instill hope in people who, no1193matter what work we're all doing together, that hope is very1194motivating. Hope and skill goes a long way, one without the1195other, doesn't travel quite as far. I'll tell you, Senator,1196when I work with these people and that hope appears, what1197happens is physical. How you see their posture, their1198activities change.1199    I've done 283 episodes of Bar Rescue, and at the end of1200that episode, I always get a hug, but our microphones are on1201our chests, so nobody hears what's said to me when that hug1202happens. The things that are said is, "Jon, I have a future1203again." "Jon, I'm talking to my son again." "I'm talking to my1204dad again." "Boy, I can pay my bills." "Jon, you saved my1205house." Everything they say isn't, thank you for teaching me,1206it's almost, thank you for giving me hope.1207    Dr. Broadie. Thank you, and that's a great question. I'm1208going to talk about, you mentioned mental engagement and you1209mentioned social isolation. When our seniors engage with our1210campus, I'll use one word, I see joy, and they get very1211excited. I see joy on both ends. I see it from the seniors that1212are engaging and the students that they're engaging with. The1213students are gaining wisdom from these individuals.1214    We have an undergraduate research program and we have our1215seniors come in and they get engaged with the students in1216helping them with their research and judging the research1217competitions. They're also engaged on our foundation boards.1218They're engaged on our Advisory Committees. Some of these1219individuals are retiring and they want to stay involved, and1220they want to sit on our business Advisory Committee. We are1221getting wisdom from their life experience.1222    We continue to engage our seniors, but when they step on1223our campus and I chat with them, the word that I really can1224describe is joy. They feel fulfilled. They feel like they're1225giving back, and they truly are giving back to helping us1226thrive as an institution and helping our students thrive1227through mentorship and all the wisdom that they provide.1228    Ms. Greszler. Yes, humans have an innate desire, I would1229call it, a God-given desire to be engaged in meaningful work1230and to be engaged in meaningful relationships, and there is so1231much value in that, and as Senator Justice said, just the1232wisdom that comes from older individuals. An inevitable thing1233about all of us is we're going to get older. To have those1234examples in our lives is so important, and I think that it1235would be, you know, just seeing it more at every level, whether1236it's through volunteer work in the schools, just any ways that1237we can have that intergenerational engagement, everyone will be1238better for it.1239    Ms. Osasu. Thank you for the question. Work gives people1240purpose. It gives them pride. It gives them a meaningful reason1241to leave the house in the morning and get dressed up again. You1242wouldn't believe how many seniors said the value in just1243getting dressed, what that means for them, how it transforms1244their day and their life.1245    A senior comes to mind, and she's one of the first clients1246I ever worked with. Her name was Ms. Anna. She was in her mid-124770's, and she was training at a nonprofit thrift store. She was1248cleaning the glassware and creating the displays and that kind1249of business, and early on when I met her, when we were doing1250this job counseling, we identified some mental health issues,1251some paranoia, and other things of that nature, and what we1252found is the more time she spent alone in her apartment, the1253worse it got.1254    When she was able to start job training, and we had her1255there five days a week, of course it didn't go away, it's not a1256cure all, but work makes a meaningful difference for a person's1257mental health. She began finding community within her work.1258That's where she made all of her friends, all of the customers1259knew her by name, and she just transformed into this smiley,1260happy person, one of the hardest workers I know, and at 76 she1261was hired on full time and she's still working now at 78, and1262everyone who shops there knows her for her bright personality.1263    All of that was made possible through the job training and1264getting a job.1265    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1266    The Chairman. Dr. Broadie, just give me one story of a1267business relationship you have that's helped people get a job1268and a senior citizen get a job.1269    Dr. Broadie. [Off mic.] association, and through that1270builders' association, we train apprenticeships. I remember the1271last graduation that we had there was an individual--it was in1272the electrical program, an individual that came across the1273stage. He said, "I'm retired, but I wasn't ready to retire and1274I've always wanted to be an electrician, and through this1275apprenticeship, my dream has come true."1276    He was in his late 60's and walking across the stage,1277preparing to start his second career.1278    The Chairman. That's a good start. Rachel, seniors1279contribute more than just through paid employment. Can you1280speak to the economic and social value of senior volunteerism,1281caregiving, and civic leadership, and how we might better1282recognize or support these contributions?1283    Ms. Greszler. Yes. Seniors have the highest volunteer rates1284across America. Whether that's, you know, in hospitals, as1285hospice assistance, and schools, at community organizations,1286and seniors also are caring a lot for grandchildren. Among1287seniors who have grandchildren under age 18, 20 percent of them1288say that they are caring for those grandchildren on a weekly1289basis if not more than that.1290    They're making these huge contributions, not just things1291that they're getting paid for, but those volunteer and caring1292activities as well.1293    The Chairman. You know, when I was Governor, I recruited1294all these people to move to Florida and you feel sorry for some1295of these states because people built these businesses and they1296move and they take their charity dollars with them, they take1297their volunteer hours with them, they take all those things,1298and they really make it--like where I live, they make a big1299difference.1300    Ms. Greszler. Yes, but oftentimes when an individual is1301able to retire, they can still participate in that same1302activity, you know, without charge. My mom is now working pro1303bono, serving as a advocate for children in the court systems,1304and so still engaging in the same thing she did before, but now1305able to do it on a volunteer basis.1306    The Chairman. Yes, where I live in the high school training1307programs, it's a lot of seniors are in there teaching a lot of1308the trade now.1309    Christine, do you have any intergenerational initiatives in1310your region where both seniors are working with young people?1311    Ms. Osasu. I love the question. Seniors love to interact1312with young people. They love to interact with even babies and1313children, and we have tons of host agencies that have daycare1314initiatives and brother and sister type things. Both parties1315really benefit because I think there's bias on both sides.1316Seniors have biases about younger people. Younger people have1317biases about seniors, but when they get to work together1318closely, they can skate through those biases and learn, wow,1319this person really has value and it's a two-way street when1320they're working together in that capacity, and we love to see1321something like that, yes.1322    The Chairman. Especially if they've never met somebody1323that's similar to that person, whatever their characteristics1324are.1325    Ms. Osasu. Right. They might not be used to seeing, you1326know, a 75-year-old person doing something in their community1327in that way, and when they see that this person, wow, they1328still have a lot to offer, it's a different experience.1329    The Chairman. Jon, do you have any stories of seniors that1330helped you turn something around?1331    Mr. Taffer. Yes. You know, I'm going to throw another word1332into the mix if I can. I'm going to throw the word relevancy1333into the mix, because, you know, I find when I give a senior1334relevancy, whether it's training, relevancy, management1335relevancy, any type of responsibility that creates relevancy, a1336complete change in personality happens. That relevancy drives1337so much of their energy each day when they wake up.1338    Imagine waking up in the morning and not having any1339relevancy to anyone. Nobody's expecting you to show up anywhere1340and nobody's expecting you to do anything.1341    The Chairman. Nobody calls.1342    Mr. Taffer. Working hard to provide that relevancy is a lot1343of what I do, so let's say it's a generational business and the1344son is taking over and the father is sort of retiring and he1345sort of lost his purpose, and the son has sort of lost his1346mentor, by creating relevancy for the father, I create1347engagement for the father, the learning opens up for the son,1348and that relevancy drives an awful lot if I focus on that one1349point.1350    The Chairman. Well on behalf of Senator Gillibrand, I think1351this has been--you guys have all done a good job. I mean, we1352all know this is really important, and you know, as people age,1353we have to figure out how to keep them with purpose, and help1354them. There's a lot of good programs at the state level, at the1355local level, not-for-profits, and federal level and we have to1356make sure they're properly funded. You have anything else?1357    Senator Gillibrand. No, thank you.1358    The Chairman. I'd like to thank everyone for being here1359today and participating. Look forward to continuing to work1360with my colleagues to ensure every American senior has the1361opportunity they deserve to make their retirement years the1362best of their lives through continuing community involvement,1363mentorship, and lifelong education.1364    If any senators have additional questions for the witnesses1365or statements to be added, the hearing and record will be open1366until next Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.1367    The Chairman. Thanks, everybody.1368    [Whereupon, at 4:43 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]1369======================================================================13701371                                APPENDIX13721373=======================================================================13741375                      Prepared Witness Statements13761377=======================================================================13781379                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging13801381"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"13821383                           December 10, 202513841385                       Prepared Witness Testimony13861387                              John Taffer13881389    Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and members of1390the Committee-thank you for the opportunity to be here today.1391It's an honor to speak on a topic that's not only timely, but1392personal: aging with purpose.I started in hospitality in 19731393as a bartender at Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood. Five1394years later, I was running the Troubadour nightclub-where1395legends took the stage and music history was made. By the13961980s, I was operating my own bar, and since then, I've owned139717 different hospitality businesses. These days, I'm perhaps1398best known as the executive producer and host of Bar Rescue.1399What I do on that show is really about one thing-helping people1400find their purpose again, often when they've lost all hope.1401    I've been fortunate to work with hundreds of business1402owners on Bar Rescue, many of whom were hanging on by a thread-1403financially, emotionally, or both. What turns things around1404isn't just better finances or improved operations. It's when1405people reconnect with a sense of purpose-when they remember why1406they started, and who they're doing it for.1407    That doesn't just apply to small business owners. It1408applies to all of us-especially as we age.I've seen firsthand1409the moment when a senior regains a sense of purpose. I change1410the lives of seniors often-whether it's through my show,1411mentorship programs, volunteer work, or even rejoining the1412workforce. When they see hope and feel accomplishment, they1413light up. Their energy, commitment, and attitude often rival1414employees half their age.1415    So many people lose purpose in phases-first when their kids1416leave home, then later when they retire. Without the structure1417of a job, coworkers, or daily goals, they're left unanchored.1418We spend decades striving-raising families, building careers,1419solving problems-and suddenly, that drive doesn't have anywhere1420to go.1421    When even a small sense of accomplishment or a chance to1422help someone re-enters their lives-when they become part of a1423team again or offer guidance to someone just starting out-it's1424powerful. It changes lives. And in some cases, it extends them.1425    That's not just anecdotal. Research shows people who have a1426sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. Purpose improves1427mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life.1428And seniors are a massive, often overlooked, reservoir of1429knowledge, skill, and mentorship just waiting to be activated.1430    In hospitality, for example, immigrant business owners1431account for approximately 40% of the industry. They're often1432self-taught, operating with passion but little formal business1433training. Imagine pairing those owners with retired1434professionals who spent their careers managing teams,1435overseeing logistics, or running companies. That's a win-win.1436The businesses get expert advice. The seniors get purpose,1437respect, and a chance to make an impact.1438    I applaud the work already being done by the Small Business1439Administration and local Chambers of Commerce to support1440mentorship-but the demand far exceeds the supply. We need to1441make it easier and more rewarding for seniors to step back into1442these roles, even on a part-time or volunteer basis.1443    The strength of this country isn't found in a boardroom.1444It's not even found here in the Senate. It's found in the 341445million small businesses across America-and in the millions of1446experienced Americans who are ready to contribute, if only we1447give them the opportunity.1448    Purpose is what gets us up in the morning. And everyone1449deserves to feel that purpose-whether you're 22 or 72.1450    Helping others gives me purpose. Seeing dreams come back to1451life when people think all is lost is one of the most1452meaningful things I've done in my career. On TV, it may look1453like I have all the answers, but I'm still learning every day.1454What I do have is 40 years of hard-earned lessons. And I'm here1455today to share what I've learned: that age is not the end of1456value-it's the multiplier of it.1457    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.14581459                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging14601461"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"14621463                           December 10, 202514641465                       Prepared Witness Testimony14661467                            Paul Broadie, MD14681469    Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and Members of1470the Committee:1471    Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the critical1472role community colleges play in empowering older Americans to1473remain active, engaged, and economically secure. I am honored1474to speak on behalf of Santa Fe College and the more than 1,0001475community colleges serving over 10 million students nationwide-1476institutions that stand at the intersection of lifelong1477learning, workforce development, and community well-being.1478    Santa Fe College has been continuously recognized for1479excellence, including:14801481      
Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence as the1482Nation's #1 Community College;1483      
2025 Carnegie Foundation Classification, recognized for1484providing higher access and higher wages to students and1485graduates, with SF graduates earning 30% more than the regional1486average;1487      
#1 graduation rate for the Florida College System with1488an 85% student success rate;1489      
Best for Vets, with the college being named one of the1490best colleges for military and military spouses; and1491      
An economic impact of $413 million, supporting 4,8661492jobs locally.14931494    Thanks to the support from our community, state, and1495federal partners, we continue to build on that success while1496keeping college affordable.1497    Community colleges are designed for expanding access to all1498learners across our communities and regions. They serve1499learners of every age, background, and stage of life. Today's1500hearing topic - Aging with Purpose: The Positive Impact of1501Seniors in Today's Economy- aligns directly with the mission of1502our institutions.1503    From helping older students gain basic computer skills to1504participate in today's technological society, to breaking1505cycles of poverty by supporting parents and their school-aged1506children, to ensuing that everyone in our community, regardless1507of age, has the opportunity to interact and engage with each1508other, community colleges in general, and Santa Fe College in1509particular, is in a unique position to support older learners.15101511I. Older Americans Are a Growing and Vital Part of the1512Community College Population15131514    Community colleges have become one of the nation's largest1515access points for older Americans seeking new skills, new1516opportunities, or a renewed sense of purpose. According to1517national data from the Association of Community College1518Trustees, more than 90,000 individuals aged 50 and older earned1519a degree or credential in the 2023-2024 academic year, a1520substantial share through community colleges.15211522    Older learners enroll because they are:15231524      
Reentering the workforce1525      
Pivoting into new career fields1526      
Seeking rapid reskilling1527      
Remaining mentally active1528      
Engaging socially and civically1529      
Reskilling for a second career1530      
Pursuing lifelong passions15311532    Their participation strengthens the workforce and enriches1533classroom learning.1534    At Santa Fe College-a reflection of national trends-4621535degree-seeking students were age 50 or older last year, with1536more than 1,200 over age 40. These students are enrolled in1537areas such as Health Services Administration, Nursing, and1538Programming & Analysis.1539    The stories of our older graduates illustrate the deep1540value of community colleges as engines of lifelong opportunity.15411542      
Judith, age 65, completed her associate degree after1543first enrolling four decades earlier.1544      
Carlos, age 81, graduated from our Phlebotomy1545certificate program, excelled during clinical rotations at UF1546Health, and continues to pursue additional credentials today.15471548    These individuals embody purpose, persistence, and the1549spirit of learning that fuels America's economy.1550    Beyond our degree-seeking students, the Oak Hammock and1551Village at Gainesville retirement communities frequently engage1552with the college by taking classes, attending Fine Arts and1553other cultural events at the college, and serving as judges of1554student research process.15551556II. Community Colleges Offer the Most Affordable and Accessible1557Pathway to Rapid Reskilling and Economic Mobility15581559    Older Americans often seek education that is affordable,1560flexible, and aligned with real employment opportunities.1561Community colleges deliver on all three.15621563Affordability15641565    Community colleges remain the most cost-effective1566institutions in higher education. Many states - including1567Florida- allow residents aged 60 and older to audit courses at1568no cost, providing robust intellectual engagement without1569financial strain.15701571Accessibility15721573    Community colleges are geographically embedded in nearly1574every community - urban, suburban, and rural - making education1575physically accessible to older adults.15761577Workforce Relevance15781579    Community colleges collaborate directly with industry1580partners to offer short-term, employer-driven programs in high-1581demand fields such as healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing,1582and public service. For older Americans seeking rapid1583reskilling, these programs provide pathways to sustainable1584employment and economic stability.1585    Additionally, at Santa Fe College, we have quick,1586stackable, credential courses to help enhance a student's1587existing skills. For example, we have physicians taking Biotech1588courses within our Emerging Tech programs to hone their skills.15891590III. National Exemplars of Community College Innovation15911592    Across the country, community colleges design programs1593tailored to adults experiencing transitions, returning to the1594workforce, or supporting multigenerational households. Santa Fe1595College demonstrates two such models that illustrate how1596community colleges can transform lives on a national scale.15971598The Displaced Homemaker Program: A Lifeline for Adults Re-1599Entering the Workforce16001601    For more than 50 years, Santa Fe College's Displaced1602Homemaker Program has provided critical support to individuals1603- often older adults - who must return to the workforce after1604the death of a spouse, divorce, or a major change in life1605circumstances. Many completers of the program have landed1606gainful employment opportunities as a result of the skills they1607learned.16081609    More than 4,500 individuals have benefited from:1610      
Career counseling1611      
Digital literacy training1612      
Job readiness and professionalism workshops1613      
Personalized financial literacy support1614      
Confidence building1615      
Job placement support16161617    Programs like this, mirrored in other states, demonstrate1618how community colleges help older adults overcome barriers,1619rebuild stability, and access high-demand careers.1620The ACB Excel Program: A National Award-Winning, Two-Generation1621Model for Economic Mobility1622    Another nationally recognized example is Santa Fe College's1623ACB Excel Program, which takes a powerful, innovative approach1624to strengthening families and improving economic outcomes.1625Although rooted in our community, it represents the type of1626visionary model that can be scaled across the nation.1627    ACB Excel empowers entire families by providing parents and1628their school-aged children with simultaneous access to academic1629programs, support services, and enrichment activities. This1630two-generation framework is free for all participants and has1631proven to be a catalyst for economic and social mobility. It1632also addresses the growing trend of grandparents raising their1633grandchildren and needing to reskill to enter the job market.16341635    Parents:16361637      
Enroll in rapid credentialing programs that lead to1638high-wage, in-demand jobs1639      
Receive personal financial literacy education1640      
Work directly with academic and career success coaches1641      
Build connections to employer partners through job1642placement pipelines16431644    Children:16451646      
Engage in hands-on STEM and literacy activities1647      
Participate in teamwork and resilience-building1648programming1649      
Receive social-emotional and academic support1650      
Experience a stable, enriching environment while parents1651pursue training16521653    The program fosters deep community impact through:16541655      
Volunteer opportunities1656      
Mentorship and internship connections1657      
Employment pathways1658      
Cross-generational learning and engagement16591660    By strengthening both parent and child simultaneously, ACB1661Excel directly enhances economic stability, workforce1662participation, and long-term family well-being. It exemplifies1663the kind of community-integrated learning model that community1664colleges nationwide are uniquely positioned to deliver.16651666IV. Lifelong Learning Supports Healthy Aging, Mental Well-1667Being, and Social Connection16681669    Community colleges also play an essential role in1670supporting older adults outside the traditional workforce.16711672    Nationwide, colleges offer:16731674      
Noncredit lifelong learning courses1675      
Arts, humanities, and enrichment activities1676      
Health and wellness education1677      
Technology and digital literacy workshops1678      
Civic engagement opportunities16791680    Programs like Santa Fe College's Community Education1681program- where more than 65% of students are age 50 or older-1682provide critical social connection, intellectual stimulation,1683and community belonging. These are proven contributors to1684healthy aging and reduced social isolation.1685    Community colleges further strengthen communities through1686intergenerational learning, where older adults serve as1687mentors, volunteers, research judges, and advisory board1688members.16891690V. Supporting Older Military Veterans: A Critical Part of Our1691Mission16921693    Military veterans- many of whom return to education later1694in life - represent one of the most important older adult1695populations served by community colleges.1696    According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute,1697nationwide 63% of veteran students were aged 30 or older\1\,1698and many face unique challenges including career transitions,1699disability accommodations, and the loss of military community.1700---------------------------------------------------------------------------1701    \1\ Postsecondary National Policy Institute, "Veterans in Higher1702Education: Fact Sheet," April 2025, https://pnpi.org/wp-content/1703uploads/2025/05/Veterans--FactSheet--Apr25.pdf1704---------------------------------------------------------------------------1705    Many colleges provide a veteran student support center on1706campus. Santa Fe College's Veterans & Military Success Services1707is a national model for how community colleges can support1708these learners. The program provides:17091710      
Dedicated academic advising and transition support1711      
Assistance navigating VA educational benefits1712      
Mental health counseling and a supportive environment of1713peers1714      
Priority registration and textbook assistance1715      
Partnerships with local employers committed to hiring1716veterans1717      
Specialized career pathways for veterans entering fields1718such as public safety, logistics, nursing, and IT17191720    Santa Fe College is proud to have been named "Best for1721Vets", reflecting our commitment not only to active-duty and1722retired service members, but also to older veterans seeking1723meaningful second careers.1724    Many of our older veteran students choose programs that1725build on their military experience - advanced manufacturing,1726first responder programs, logistics, cybersecurity - as well as1727others who pursue new callings in healthcare, social services,1728or business.1729    Supporting veterans supports our workforce, strengthens1730families, and honors national service.17311732VI. Policy Recommendations to Support Purposeful Aging Through1733Community Colleges17341735    To enhance the role community colleges play in1736strengthening the lives of older Americans, Congress may1737consider:17381739      
Expanding federal support for short-term, stackable1740workforce credentials1741      
Supporting two-generation learning models that benefit1742entire families1743      
Investing in digital literacy initiatives for older1744adults1745      
Funding wraparound services that reduce barriers for1746older learners1747      
Supporting replication of programs like Displaced1748Homemaker and ACB Excel17491750    These investments strengthen not only older Americans, but1751our workforce, our communities, and our economy.17521753Conclusion17541755    Older Americans bring wisdom, experience, dedication, and1756purpose to our campuses and our communities. Community1757colleges- accessible to all and responsive to local needs- are1758uniquely positioned to help them continue contributing to the1759nation's economic vitality and civic life.1760    Through rapid workforce training, two-generation learning1761models, enrichment programs, and community-based partnerships,1762community colleges provide older Americans with the tools to1763remain engaged, productive, and connected. Programs like the1764Displaced Homemaker Program and the ACB Excel Program show what1765is possible when community colleges are empowered to innovate.1766    Thank you for the opportunity to offer this testimony. I1767welcome your questions and look forward to working with the1768Committee to strengthen opportunities for older adults across1769our nation.17701771***SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SANTA FE COLLEGE ATTACHMENT***1772[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]17731774                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging17751776"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"17771778                           December 10, 202517791780                       Prepared Witness Testimony17811782                            Rachel Greszler1783[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]17841785                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging17861787"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"17881789                           December 10, 202517901791                       Prepared Witness Testimony17921793                            Christine Osasu17941795    Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and1796distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the1797opportunity to speak before you today. It is a privilege1798afforded to very few to address this esteemed body, and I do so1799with both deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility1800to the seniors in my community. The stories and struggles of1801our seniors deserve to be heard, and I am honored to share a1802few stories with you today.18031804INTRODUCTION18051806    My name is Christine Osasu, and for the past ten years, I1807have dedicated my career to serving some of Georgia's most1808vulnerable populations-.rst as a loan originator with Habitat1809for Humanity, and for the last four years as the Director of1810the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at The1811Legacy Link, a nonprofit and designated Area Agency on Aging.1812Our mission is to empower aging adults and individuals with1813disabilities by connecting them to resources to be their link1814to a better life. Our SCSEP program serves 107 counties across1815Georgia as a proud subgrantee of the National Council on Aging1816(NCOA).1817    Today, I'm here to share how training through the SCSEP1818program has transformed lives-empowering older adults to1819reenter the workforce, reclaim their confidence, affirm their1820value, and take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. I'm1821also here to share the devastating impact of the SCSEP funding1822pause-a crisis that left nearly 30,000 seniors across the1823country in limbo, without income, structure, or support\1\.1824---------------------------------------------------------------------------1825    \1\ U.S. Dep't of Labor, National Quarterly Progress Report (July18267, 2025), https://cmp.dol.gov/suite/sites/dol.1827---------------------------------------------------------------------------1828    I am deeply grateful to Ranking Member Gillibrand for1829leading a group letter to the Labor Secretary regarding the1830SCSEP funding delay, and to Chairman Scott and Ranking Member1831Gillibrand for their bipartisan efforts to reintroduce the1832Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization.1833    SCSEP, authorized under the OAA, is a federally funded job1834training program for low-income seniors aged 55 and older. It1835functions much like a paid internship for seniors. Participants1836receive hands-on training at nonprofit and government agencies,1837where they gain new skills. The host agencies benefit from1838having experienced dedicated workers-at no cost-who often1839become permanent employees. We serve those seniors who have the1840most signi.cant barriers to employment, and we have a proud1841history of pulling people out of homelessness and reducing1842reliance on public assistance programs.1843    SCSEP has existed since 1965, and for good reason: it1844works. It is a lifeline for seniors who want to work, who need1845to work, and who still have so much to contribute.18461847BARRIERS SENIORS FACE18481849    While working combats social isolation and improves mental1850and physical health, make no mistake-SCSEP participants are not1851working for enjoyment\2\. They are working to survive. To1852qualify for the program, seniors must have incomes at or below1853125% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately1854$1,600 per month for a single person. With the rising costs of1855food, housing, healthcare, and more, these limited-income1856seniors are struggling to pay for basic necessities. As people1857are living longer, they need more in savings to sustain them,1858and many have no savings at all, living paycheck to paycheck.1859---------------------------------------------------------------------------1860    \2\ U.S. Dep't of Labor, PY 2020 Nationwide Participant Evaluation1861of SCSEP (Mar. 25, 2022), https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/.les/ETA/1862seniors/pdfs/PY2020%20Nationwide%20Participant%20Survey%20Report--18633%2025%202022.pdf.1864---------------------------------------------------------------------------1865    Seniors are strong and resilient-but they are also growing1866tired of being left behind by systems that are becoming more1867automated and less human.1868    Seniors face real and persistent age discrimination in the1869workforce. They also face technological barriers that make even1870applying for a job feel insurmountable. "[They] find themselves1871beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists." -Eric1872Hoffer1873    Imagine trying to navigate today's job market without an1874email address or basic computer skills. For many older adults,1875this is a reality. That's where SCSEP steps in-empowering1876seniors with the tools and training they need to navigate the1877digital world.1878    Last year, Legacy Link launched a Digital Empowerment1879Program that provided participants with tablets and hands-on1880instruction in essential technology skills, from job searching1881to basic office software-opening new doors to employment and1882independence.18831884IMPACT OF THE PAUSE18851886    Due to a delay in releasing FY25 funding by the Department1887of Labor to the national grantees, most SCSEP participants were1888placed on an unpaid break for four and a half months. This1889pause in SCSEP funding greatly harmed older adults who were1890already facing the most significant barriers to employment.1891    The majority of SCSEP funds directly pay for participants'1892wages. For many, this pause meant missed meals, unstable1893housing, and growing uncertainty about the future, especially1894as they were not eligible to collect unemployment during the1895pause.1896    In Georgia, the $7.25-per-hour SCSEP training wage may seem1897insignificant to some, but for someone surviving on less than1898$1,600 a month, this paid training is a lifeline. When training1899was paused-it wasn't just an inconvenience. It had life-1900threatening consequences for our seniors: homelessness, skipped1901medications, food rationing, and grandchildren going without1902school supplies.1903    A heartbreaking story from North Georgia illustrates the1904devastating impact of the pause.19051906        A short while into the pause, an undeliverable letter1907led to an unexpected heartbreak. As usual, I called the1908participant to verify his address when the letter was returned.1909I anticipated a routine conversation-but his words stopped me1910in my tracks. When asked for his updated address he said, "Ms.1911Christine, I wish I could give you my updated address, but I1912don't have one. I couldn't pay for my housing, I've maxed out1913my time in the shelter, and now I'm living in a tent."19141915    Our seniors want to work-and many must work. Social1916Security alone is not enough to survive. When the SCSEP program1917is paused, the impact is immediate and devastating.19181919COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT19201921    Older adults want to work. When given the opportunity, they1922support themselves with dignity, reducing reliance on food1923stamps, subsidized housing, and public assistance.19241925        Ms. Plant, age 59, shared her story:19261927        "After losing my husband to COVID in 2020, I became1928homeless-bouncing between shelters and motels. SCSEP helped me1929stabilize my life. It allowed me to cover basic needs, pursue1930training in medical coding, and give back by serving meals at1931the soup kitchen. Without it, I'd be at risk of losing1932everything again."19331934    Healthy, engaged older adults are a vital asset to our1935economy. With the right tools and opportunities, they don't1936just participate, they lead, mentor, and multiply impact.1937Investing in seniors means investing in experience,1938reliability, and resilience. They are valuable, capable members1939of the workforce who enrich every organization they join.1940    SCSEP delivers a strong return on investment by preparing1941seniors for meaningful employment-bene.ting not just1942individuals, but society as a whole. SCSEP is the key-to1943stronger businesses, reduced public spending, less social1944isolation, and a more inclusive, resilient workforce.1945    Thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of our1946seniors. I urge you to remain diligent in the fight for a1947better world for older Americans-because we are all aging, and1948we deserve to age well.1949=======================================================================19501951                        Questions for the Record19521953=======================================================================19541955                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging19561957"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"19581959                           December 10, 202519601961                        Questions for the Record19621963                              John Taffer19641965                  Ranking Member Kirsten E. Gillibrand19661967    Question:19681969    Based upon your experience providing advice and guidance to1970older Americans who remain actively employed, have you found1971the Social Security special earnings limit rule to serve as an1972impediment to work and gainful activity?19731974    Response:19751976    I believe it is absolutely a deterrent. If someone has to1977go back to work, it is because their current benefits and1978income are not fully supporting them. Penalizing them for1979earning a living creates an unnecessary obstacle to keeping up1980with the cost of living and unfairly punishes their effort to1981stay productive. Going back to work at that stage of life1982should provide stability, dignity, and a better quality of1983life. Benefit reductions should never work against that."19841985                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging19861987"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"19881989                           December 10, 202519901991                        Questions for the Record19921993                            Paul Broadie, MD19941995                        Senator Raphael Warnock19961997    Question:19981999    More than one in three older adults live in rural Georgia,2000where they face disproportionate barriers in accessing skill2001development opportunities. On December 9, 2025, I co-led the2002introduction of the Pathways to Prosperity Act, which would2003improve the Department of Labor's Strengthening Community2004Colleges Grant Programs. This legislation would help community2005and technical colleges expand career pathways and strengthen2006partnerships with employers, so students can develop skills2007aligned with the needs of industries.2008    How would promoting collaboration between community and2009technical colleges and employers improve job training2010opportunities for seniors in rural Georgia and support rural2011economic growth?20122013    Response:20142015    Community and technical colleges are deeply rooted in the2016communities and regions they serve. This makes these2017institutions uniquely positioned to partner with area employers2018to identify skills gaps and create the programming necessary to2019address industry needs today and into the future. At Santa Fe2020College, we know the most effective workforce solutions begin2021by listening to our local employers so we can provide career2022pathways in alignment with employers.2023    By working together with industry, community and technical2024colleges can develop practical, targeted, and scalable programs2025that lead to relevant, in-demand jobs in our communities. These2026programs enable students of all ages to take advantage of2027relevant short term in demand training opportunities that2028provide avenues for upskilling, reskilling, and rapid entry2029into employment, and stackable credentials providing2030opportunities for upward mobility enabling continued education,2031training and professional growth while earning.2032    For example, Santa Fe College launched an innovative, two-2033generational program - ACB Excel. The program, Achieve,2034Conquer, Believe, provides short-term training programs for2035unemployed or underemployed individuals raising their children2036or grandchildren. These programs are designed in partnership2037with employers based on employer needs and area demands. While2038they are receiving the training, their school-aged children are2039receiving STEM-focused academic enrichment. Now in its fourth2040year, this program has a 100% job placement rate, with many2041participants also choosing to continue their education to2042further expand employment opportunities.2043    Utilizing employer-driven pathways creates real2044opportunities for students, particularly in rural communities2045where industry partners may be limited and industry training2046needs tend to be more specific. Programs that support flexible2047schedules, employ apprenticeship, and "earn while you learn"2048models are successful, and make training opportunities more2049accessible, especially for adults who may be balancing2050caregiving, and other barriers that may impede access to2051training and ultimately impact their entry or reentry into the2052workforce or ability to earn a livable wage.2053    Legislation like the Pathways to Prosperity Act allow2054community and technical colleges like Santa Fe College to2055expand these partnerships, scale proven models, and respond2056even more effectively to regional workforce needs.2057Additionally, supporting and funding apprenticeship programs2058would encourage more employers to partner with colleges to2059develop a skilled workforce. These partnerships support career2060coaching, skills refreshers, and on-the-job training, which are2061critical for helping older workers transition into new roles.2062With the right support, we can continue building clear,2063flexible pathways connecting people to opportunity and ensuring2064communities have the skilled workforce needed to thrive.2065Investments that support the growth of a talented workforce2066have a direct positive economic impact on the community and aid2067in the recruitment, retention and growth of business and2068industry in the region, rural or otherwise.20692070                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging20712072"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"20732074                           December 10, 202520752076                        Questions for the Record20772078                            Rachel Greszler20792080                  Ranking Member Kirsten E. Gillibrand20812082    Question:20832084    As your written testimony highlights, existing statutory2085and regulatory requirements can at times serve as barriers for2086the employment of older Americans. In your view, what should2087policymakers be aware of when considering potential updates to2088the Social Security special earnings limit rule, including from2089both policy and administrative perspectives?20902091    Response:20922093    Social Security's retirement earnings test creates a2094significant administrative burden for the Social Security2095Administration (SSA) and causes widespread confusion and2096behavioral changes for older Americans who are subject to the2097earnings test.2098    SSA administers benefits to approximately five million2099beneficiaries who receive early retirement benefits and thus2100could be subject to the retirement earnings test if they earn2101more than $24,480 per year in 2026. The test requires SSA to2102track the earnings of all individuals who receive early2103retirement benefits, and reduce benefits by $1 for every $2 in2104earnings over the $24,480 threshold.2105    In recent years, over 500,000 Social Security recipients2106have had their benefits reduced or eliminated as a result of2107the earnings test. Applying the test requires SSA to2108continually monitor and estimate earnings and, when applicable,2109to reduce monthly Social Security payments that would otherwise2110remain consistent aside from annual cost-of-living adjustments.2111    Most Social Security recipients do not understand the2112retirement earnings test. When their benefits are reduced, they2113often do not know why and they subsequently seek information2114either via phone calls or in-office visits to the SSA.2115According to a February 2024 letter from the SSA's Office of2116the Inspector General, "In FY 2021, SSA spent approximately $702117million in administrative costs to enforce the earnings test."2118    Since application of the earnings test typically requires2119the SSA to estimate earnings, it inevitably results in2120inaccurate payments including both overpayments and excessive2121benefit reductions. According to the same 2024 letter, the2122SSA's OIG estimated that "SSA:21232124      
inaccurately calculated approximately 47,000 of the2125294,000 earnings-test overpayments established in FY 2021,2126totaling more than $148 million;2127      
inaccurately paid approximately 9,000 beneficiaries2128approximately $29 million based on estimated earnings that were2129more or less than their actual earnings; and2130      
did not timely pay approximately 176,000 beneficiaries2131approximately $81 million in monthly benefit increases., the2132SSA issued 294,000 earnings-test overpayments."21332134    These inaccurate payments cause further administrative2135costs for the SSA and further confusion and financial2136uncertainty for Social Security beneficiaries.2137    In addition to administrative costs and improper payments,2138the retirement earnings test discourages work. As a widely2139misunderstood test that is perceived as an additional 502140percent tax on certain earnings, many beneficiaries who are2141subject to the test reduce their earnings to avoid benefit2142reductions.2143    Per your specific question on the policy and administrative2144considerations that policymakers should be aware of when2145considering an update to the earnings test:21462147      
The retirement earnings test generates no net revenue2148for the Social Security programs. Multiple government sources2149have estimated that eliminating the earnings test would2150slightly improve Social Security's solvency.2151      
Eliminating the retirement earnings test entirely would2152be the most effective reform. Fully eliminating the test would2153largely eliminate associated administrative costs as well as2154all confusion caused by the test and all negative impacts on2155work and earnings.2156          	Raising the earnings threshold would deliver2157significant efficiencies, but it would still require the SSA to2158monitor and estimate all earnings of people under the normal2159retirement age, and to apply the test to a smaller number of2160recipients. Moreover, while a higher earnings test could2161significantly reduce the number of individuals subject to it,2162and thus the test's work disincentives, it would still cause2163confusion and reduced work for a smaller number of2164beneficiaries.2165      
Eliminating the retirement earnings test would require2166special treatment for current beneficiaries between the ages of216762 and 66 who have been subject to the test in the past. In2168addition to immediately ceasing application of the test, the2169SSA would need to decide whether to apply the test's benefit2170adjustment at those individuals' normal retirement ages (as2171currently done), or to apply the adjustments immediately. This2172would not represent a new administrative function as the SSA2173already calculates this benefit adjustment.2174      
Eliminating the retirement earnings test could have2175spillover benefits for the administrative costs and the payment2176integrity associated with other government benefit programs,2177including but not limited to: Medicaid, ACA subsidies, Medicare2178savings programs and low-income subsidies, heating assistance,2179and food stamps (SNAP). Stabilizing Social Security benefit2180payments would improve income measurement for these programs,2181improving eligibility determinations and payment accuracy.2182      
I estimate that eliminating the retirement earnings test2183would: increase the labor force by a range of 166,000 to 1.0352184million; Increase older Americans' annual earnings by $10.52185billion to $65.9 billion per year; boost annual Social Security2186revenues by $1.3 billion to $8.2 billion per year, and;2187increase total annual tax revenues by $2.9 billion to $182188billion.2189      
The United States' current demographic, fiscal, and2190cultural challenges could all be improved by an increase in2191older Americans' continued workforce participation.21922193                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging21942195"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"21962197                           December 10, 202521982199                        Questions for the Record22002201                            Christine Osasu22022203                        Senator Raphael Warnock22042205    Question:22062207    On July 1, 2025, the Department of Labor halted Fiscal Year22082025 funding for the Senior Community Service Employment2209Programs (SCSEP), leaving more than 1,000 low-income seniors in2210Georgia without stable income to afford rent, groceries, and2211life-saving medications for over four months. President Trump2212also proposed to eliminate SCSEP and replace the program with2213state block grants for Fiscal Year 2026.2214    How would the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act2215enhance the long-term stability of SCSEP?22162217    Response:22182219    The Older Americans Act is foundational legislation that2220affirms our national commitment to older adults. It tells2221seniors that we value their contributions, we care about their2222well-being, and we intend to uphold the promise that every2223person deserves life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.2224    The OAA is the statutory backbone of the Senior Community2225Service Employment Program. SCSEP does not exist in isolation-2226it is part of a broader ecosystem of services authorized and2227supported through the OAA. Reauthorization strengthens that2228entire infrastructure. It provides continuity, predictability,2229and the long-term stability needed for programs like SCSEP to2230operate effectively and plan for the future.2231    When Congress reauthorizes the OAA, it sends a clear and2232unmistakable message to older Americans: you still matter, and2233we remain committed to investing in your ability to live with2234dignity, purpose, and economic security.2235    For SCSEP in particular, reauthorization provides the2236stability needed to continue connecting low-income older adults2237with job training, community service roles, and meaningful2238pathways back into the workforce. It preserves their connection2239to community. It preserves their sense of purpose. For many2240participants, it quite literally ensures they have a reason to2241get up and get dressed in the morning-a structure, a2242contribution, and a place where they are valued.2243    In short, reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is a2244reaffirmation of our commitment to seniors and a critical2245safeguard for the long-term stability of SCSEP and the many2246lives it touches.22472248    Question:22492250    What would happen to Georgia seniors if SCSEP were2251eliminated?22522253    Response:22542255    Prior to the funding pause, approximately 900 Georgia2256seniors were participating in SCSEP job training.2257Unfortunately, the 4.5 month pause gave us a painful preview of2258what happens when this lifeline is disrupted. That experience2259informs my answer today.2260    Eliminating SCSEP would send a devastating message to older2261Georgians-that they do not matter. Our budget decisions reflect2262our values, and when we withdraw support from programs like2263SCSEP, we are signaling who we believe is worthy of investment.2264    Many of these seniors already feel hopeless, isolated, and2265left behind. For countless participants, SCSEP was the first2266"yes" they had heard from the workforce in years. It restored2267dignity, purpose, and the belief that they still had something2268to contribute. Ending the program would undo that progress and2269leave them feeling discarded once again.2270    The consequences would be severe. Some seniors would face2271homelessness. Others would be forced to ration medication. Food2272insecurity-already a daily reality for many-would worsen.2273Grandchildren who rely on their grandparents' modest support2274would go without basic supplies. And for too many, the loss of2275SCSEP would trigger profound depression and even suicidal2276ideation, as their last connection to community and purpose is2277severed.2278    Programs like SCSEP are not luxuries. They are essential2279investments in vulnerable older adults and in the well being of2280our communities. When funding is disrupted, the cost is2281measured in human suffering. And once that damage occurs, there2282are no quick or easy fixes.2283=======================================================================22842285                       Statements for the Record22862287=======================================================================22882289                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging22902291"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"22922293                           December 10, 202522942295                       Statements for the Record22962297                             AARP Statement2298[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]22992300                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging23012302"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"23032304                           December 10, 202523052306                       Statements for the Record23072308                  Lauren S. Marinaro, Esq., Statement2309[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]23102311                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging23122313"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"23142315                           December 10, 202523162317                       Statements for the Record23182319             National Academy of Elder Attorneys Statement2320[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]23212322                 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging23232324"Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"23252326                           December 10, 202523272328                       Statements for the Record23292330                   Ryann M. Siclari, Esq., Statement2331[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]23322333                              [all]