; Whereas 5,802,000 older Americans lived in poverty in 2018; 5,500,000 older Americans were food insecure in 2021; 40,000 older Americans experienced homelessness in 2021 (a number projected to nearly triple to 106,000 by 2030), and 1 in 5 Americans age 65 and older are socially isolated; Whereas many older Americans are living longer, working longer, and enjoying healthier, more active lifestyles than past generations, while others are facing shorter lifespans and increased physical, mental, and psychological challenges; Whereas age-friendly movements are gaining momentum across the country in communities, health systems, and public health initiatives but are not yet fully aligned and coordinated to ensure maximum results; Whereas 70 percent of those reaching age 65 will require long-term services and supports and will need to rely on family, friends, or paid caregivers; Whereas, by 2035 it is estimated that 1 in 3 households will be headed by someone aged 65 or older, but many older Americans face challenges in obtaining or keeping affordable, safe, and accessible housing; Whereas 6,000,000 children live in grandparent-headed households, and almost 3,000,000 are being raised by their grandparents; Whereas approximately 75 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who need a hearing aid do not have one; 70 percent of beneficiaries who have trouble eating because of their teeth did not go to the dentist in the past year; and 43 percent of beneficiaries who have trouble seeing did not have an eye exam in the past year; Whereas older Americans are increasingly the victims of fraud, scams, exploitation, identity theft, and even physical and financial abuse, that threaten their dignity, security, and health; and Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic disproportionately burdened older Americans, resulting in over 850,000 deaths as of May 2023, millions of cases, and increased distress in adults aged 65 and older, especially those in congregate living facilities: Now, therefore, be it