Bill Overview
Title: Innovation in Aging Act
Description: This bill reauthorizes for FY2022 activities carried out by the Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network (which conducts research, evaluates programs, and identifies best practices related to programs and services for older adults).
Sponsors: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Older adults (aged 60+) globally
Estimated Size: 56000000
- The bill aims to support activities related to research and services for older adults.
- Globally, the population aged 60 years and over is growing due to longer life expectancies.
- Older adults are a significant demographic worldwide, particularly in developed regions with aging populations.
- The bill focuses on research and services, which would largely impact older adults, aged 60 and above, across various regions.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets older adults in the U.S. who are aged 60 and above, a demographic that continues to grow.
- Given the budget of $15 million in the first year and $164 million over ten years, the scope of the impact will likely focus on research and best practices for a specific subset of the older population, particularly those needing services.
- The bill aims to enhance services through better research, which may not have immediate effects but can significantly impact the long-term wellbeing of older adults.
- Among the older adult population, diverse conditions such as socioeconomic status, existing health conditions, and access to community services can lead to varied impacts from this policy.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Nurse (Naples, Florida)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that more research will be conducted. Science can help adapt medical advancements to our needs.
- Access to better care strategies is always a positive. I hope they include services that help with mobility issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Engineer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Research is always good but more practical, immediate health services are what we really need.
- I'm hopeful but also skeptical about how much impact I will actually see.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Innovations could really help people like me stay independent longer.
- I appreciate any effort that makes life easier and I hope they focus on Alzheimer's research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Retired Construction Worker (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 85 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am grateful for any governmental support aimed at improving my life quality as a vet.
- I feel like research will have more impact on the younger generation of seniors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Part-time Consultant (Austin, Texas)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm in a good position now, but future contributions to services or research might benefit my grandchildren more.
- I'm pleased that resources are being allocated towards elder care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Librarian (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any initiative that leads to better healthcare services is a step in the right direction.
- I'm hopeful for the potential advancement in diabetes management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Former Marketing Executive (New York, New York)
Age: 76 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am quite happy with my current wellbeing, but I'm glad to see resources channeled into long-term care sustainability.
- Feels the policy will have little direct impact on him due to current good health and financial status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Voluntary Worker (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm fortunate at the moment but see the potential this has for impacting others that may not be as lucky.
- I'm particularly interested in how new frameworks for elder care can be developed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Former Factory Worker (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 69 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopeful the policy can address health disparities and bring innovations in treating chronic diseases like cancer.
- Optimistic about the focus on research but waits to see real-time applications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired Farmer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Count on the policy to provide better models for social connectivity in rural areas.
- Needs for rural healthcare are substantial, hopeful for policy impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15300000 (Low: $12360000, High: $18360000)
Year 3: $15606000 (Low: $12607200, High: $18727200)
Year 5: $16236000 (Low: $13286400, High: $19723500)
Year 10: $17844000 (Low: $14520000, High: $21684000)
Year 100: $48000000 (Low: $38400000, High: $57600000)
Key Considerations
- The aging population in the U.S. necessitates increased focus on research and evaluation to improve service delivery.
- Budget constraints could limit the extent and impact of the proposed activities, demanding efficient use of resources.
- Coordination with other agencies and sectors could amplify the impact of research outcomes in real-world settings.