The Ezra Klein Show
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Government
Real Life With The Older Americans Act
by NANASP & John A. Hartford Foundation
Today: #164 in Government on our combined chart.
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Ranking history
History builds daily. We started tracking this show on the Government chart recently, so the trend line appears after a second day of data.
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| Date | Combined Rank | Apple Podcasts |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 8 | #164 | #165 |
About the show
What does federal aging policy look like in everyday life? This podcast explores the real people and real communities that benefit from the Older Americans Act (OAA)—the nationwide law that supports older adults’ safety, independence and quality of life.
OAA programs are the backbone of community-based services yet are often hidden in plain sight. As the U.S. population ages rapidly and caregiving needs grow, the services supported by the OAA have never mattered more for health, dignity and connection.
Host Bob Blancato, nationally recognized leader and policy expert on aging, has spent decades shaping programs that improve the health, dignity and well-being of older adults. Bob and his stellar podcast guests bring unparalleled insights into how older adult programs and policies translate into real-world impact for older adults, families and communities across the country.
Listen and learn from engaging policy experts, real-life participants and volunteers, and members of the aging network workforce who are engaged in community services supported by the OAA that provide:
- Nutritious meals improving diet quality, food security, independence and social connection
- Aging and disability support services and hospital care transitions that return $1.30 to $7.10 per dollar invested
- Evidence-based workshops enhancing physical function, self-management, mental well-being and fall prevention contributing to fewer injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs
- Caregiver and dementia-capable services and supports reducing caregiver stress and preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization
- Native American services demonstrating ~36% fewer hospital visits and ~10% fewer falls per year
- Elder Justice initiatives raising awareness, reporting, safety, and service coordination for vulnerable older adults
- Older adult employment and training resulting in ~48% unsubsidized employment, 80% one-year employment retention, 32% improved physical health and 76% increased positive outlook/mental health
This series is proudly sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national, nonpartisan philanthropy dedicated to improving care for older adults, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff.
Learn more about the key role of the Older Americans Act by going to: What To Know About The Older Americans Act And The Services It Provides (https://www.kff.org/medicare/what-to-know-about-the-older-americans-act-and-the-services-it-provides-to-older-adults/).
Latest episodes
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Empowering Older Workers & Combating Ageism Through Workforce Training
August 31, 2026 · 50 minIn this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, hosts Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker delve into the transformative impact of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the only federal employment and training…
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Title 6: Programs for Native American Elders
July 31, 2026 · 51 minIn this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, Bob Blancato and Edwin Walker explore Title VI of the Older Americans Act, the program that supports nutrition and other essential services for American Indian, Alaska Native, and…
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Elder Justice: Preventing Physical, Psychological and Financial Abuse
June 10, 2026 · 35 minTHE ELDER JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL's SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT: Never Ever CampaignJune 15-26, 2026 Personalize your messages with their Toolkit: https://bit.ly/EJCC26W In this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, hosts Bob…
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Champion your Health during Older Americans Month and Beyond
May 30, 2026 · 1 hr 0 minIn this episode of Real Life with the Older Americans Act, we explore how Title IV programs promote health, independence, and longevity through evidence-based interventions that help older adults remain active and connected in their…
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Health, Independence and Longevity
April 30, 2026 · 44 minJoin Bob and Edwin and learn from colleagues and experts during their visit the American Society on Aging's annual meeting in Atlanta. You'll hear from Leanne Clark-Shirley (American Society on Aging), Najja Orr (Philadelphia Corporation…
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The Senior Nutrition Program
March 28, 2026 · 49 minThe Senior Nutrition Program serves millions of older adults through meals that nourish both body, mind and community. Discover how one of the most successful federal programs helps older adults live healthier, more connected lives…
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Community Connections - The National Aging Network Puzzle Explained
March 5, 2026 · 45 minIn this inaugural episode, host Bob Blancato and co-host Edwin Walker bring together a powerhouse group of national leaders to explore the legacy and future of the Older Americans Act (OAA): Ramsey Alwin (National Council on Aging), Sandy…
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Enduring Truths: The Older Americans Act
January 12, 2026 · 40 minIn this episode, we bring together a powerhouse group of national leaders to explore the legacy and future of the Older Americans Act (OAA): Edwin Walker, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging; Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the…