    [Senate Hearing 119-302]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                          S. Hrg. 119-302

                              AGING WITH PURPOSE:
                              THE POSITIVE IMPACT
                         OF SENIORS IN TODAY'S ECONOMY
    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   BEFORE THE

                           SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING

                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                        ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                   __________

                                 WASHINGTON, DC

                                   __________

                               DECEMBER 10, 2025

                                   __________

                               Serial No. 119-21

             Printed for the use of the Special Committee on Aging

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

            Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov
                                    __________

                       U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    62-923 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 2026
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING

                         RICK SCOTT, Florida, Chairman

    DAVE McCORMICK, Pennsylvania         KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York
    JIM JUSTICE, West Virginia           ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts
    TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama            MARK KELLY, Arizona
    RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin               RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia
    ASHLEY MOODY, Florida                ANDY KIM, New Jersey
    JON HUSTED, Ohio                     ANGELA ALSOBROOKS, Maryland
                                  ----------
                    McKinley Lewis, Majority Staff Director
                    Claire Descamps, Minority Staff Director

                             C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S

                                  ----------

                                                                       Page

    Opening Statement of Senator Rick Scott, Chairman................     1
    Opening Statement of Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Ranking
      Member.........................................................     3

                               PANEL OF WITNESSES

    Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &
      Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......     4
    Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,
      Florida........................................................     5
    Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public
      Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............     7
    Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment
      Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................     9

                                    APPENDIX
                          Prepared Witness Statements

    Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &
      Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......    26
    Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,
      Florida........................................................    27
    Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public
      Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............    35
    Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment
      Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................    46

                            Questions for the Record

    Jon Taffer, Chairman & CEO, Taffer Dynamics, Executive Producer &
      Host, Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," Las Vegas, Neveda......    50
    Dr. Paul Broadie II, President, Santa Fe College, Gainesville,
      Florida........................................................    51
    Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow, Workforce and Public
      Finance, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC...............    52
    Christine Osasu, Director, Senior Community Service Employment
      Program, Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia.........................    54

                           Statements for the Record

    AARP Statement...................................................    58
    Lauren S. Marinaro, Esq., Statement..............................    64
    National Academy of Elder Attorneys Statement....................    66
    Ryann M. Siclari, Esq., Statement................................    68

                              AGING WITH PURPOSE:
                              THE POSITIVE IMPACT
                         OF SENIORS IN TODAY'S ECONOMY

                                  ----------

                          Wednesday, December 10, 2025

                                            U.S. Senate
                                     Special Committee on Aging
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:32 p.m., Room
    216, Hart Senate Office Building, Hon. Rick Scott, Chairman of
    the Committee, presiding.
        Present: Senator Scott, Justice, Moody, Gillibrand, and
    Alsobrooks.

                     OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR
                          RICK SCOTT, CHAIRMAN

        The Chairman. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
    will now come to order. I want to thank all of you for being
    here.
        We've gathered to discuss a very important topic, not just
    for our aging community, but also for generations planning for
    retirement, and for those who won't be retiring for several
    decades. Today's hearing will focus on the beneficial impact of
    purpose in the lives of our seniors. I think that we'd all say
    that, right? We all want to have purpose and what we can do as
    elect officials to help foster a purpose-filled life for our
    aging constituents.
        We are lucky to be joined by expert witnesses who can speak
    to the impact of keeping seniors engaged in their communities
    through business, education, and volunteering. Now, aging
    Americans who remain engaged with purpose-driven lives create
    benefits for themselves and our economy. Purpose and
    fulfillment are powerful forces that enrich families,
    strengthen our communities, and support the health and
    longevity of our Nation and its people.
        Having a purpose is an essential part of the American
    dream. It has long been an indicator of both mental and
    physical well-being across all age groups. Purpose can be found
    in many things, including parenting, caring for loved ones,
    creating a business, and paid or volunteer work, but for
    seniors, many of whom are adjusting to retirement and life as
    empty nesters, purpose can sometimes seem hard to find.
    However, we should see this phase of life as a new chapter one
    where older Americans are empowered to stay active, pursue
    passions, and give back in ways that matter to them, all while
    reaping the rewards of connection, community, and better
    physical and mental well-being.
        Here's the reality for a lot of folks preparing for
    retirement. While we hope that every American spends their
    working years working their dream jobs, that's not always the
    case. Millions of Americans have great jobs, they save up for
    retirement, and they look forward to chasing the dreams that
    they might have put on pause in their golden years of
    retirement.
        What I want this Committee to think about today is how do
    we make sure that every American retiree can live their dreams
    in their older years? How do we make sure they can take that
    course at the local college that they've been wanting to take
    for too long? How do we make sure they can start that coffee
    shop or bookstore or bike shop they've always dreamed about?
    How do we make sure folks stay connected with their communities
    as they age and create value not only for themselves by keeping
    purpose in their lives, but also help mentor the next
    generation of leaders, coach the next generation of small
    business owners, and pass along their years of wisdom and
    experience in the process?
        Research shows that older adults who remain engaged,
    whether through volunteering, mentoring, or taking on new
    responsibilities, experience greater physical health, mental
    resilience, and life satisfaction. Community involvement,
    lifelong learning, and cross-generational connection are not
    just beneficial for the individuals involved, they foster a
    society where every generation thrives. Like I said before, for
    some it will be taking a class or a course to explore an area
    of interest, volunteering in the community, or dedicating time
    to pursue a new hobby.
        For many seniors, purpose will be found in continuing to
    work in some capacity. This could be in their previous
    business, as a new part-time employee at a place they enjoy
    frequently frequenting, or even branching out and starting
    something new. We need to remove the red tape that hampers or
    discourages older Americans from continuing work or starting
    new businesses or careers. We also need to ensure we're
    removing regulations and creating an economic environment that
    fosters flourishing and keeps inflation down.
        We need to ensure that older Americans and future
    generations can face retirement with a sense of financial
    security and not a fear of inflation outpacing their nest egg.
    This way, seniors are only working if they want to, not because
    they have to. The only way to ensure this is to get the
    government out of the way. We did this in Florida by cutting
    taxes and costly and unnecessary regulations. We managed to
    turn the economy around making it a beacon for businesses and
    those wanting a full and purposeful life.
        To remind you as Governor, we cut taxes more than a hundred
    times and slash more than 5,000 burdens from regulations. We
    cut the time it took to get your license or permit from the
    State of Florida from weeks to days. Florida businesses added
    1.7 million jobs. We paid down more than $10 billion of our
    debt, and we managed to increase the efficiency of government
    to provide additional services for our citizens and our state,
    including for our seniors.
        Because of these policies, Florida's well known as a place
    that thousands and thousands of retirees' flock to every year,
    especially this time of year escaping less financially
    hospitable climates. In Florida, their dollars go farther and
    they have communities and opportunities to experience
    connection and fulfillment. Cutting taxes and creating a
    freedom loving environment allows our senior citizens to thrive
    and our retired citizens to enjoy the retirement that they work
    so hard for. It allows our aging constituents the freedom and
    stability to pursue their passions and build a life of purpose
    and fulfillment.
        I look forward to a productive and meaningful conversation
    on this important topic. Now, I'd like to recognize the Ranking
    Member from New York, Senator Gillibrand, for her opening
    statement.

                     OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR
                 KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, RANKING MEMBER

        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Chairman Scott, and thank
    you to the witnesses.
        Older adults have tremendous wisdom, work ethic, skills,
    and really contribute to the economy. This was certainly the
    case with one of my former staffers. I had a staffer named Geri
    Shapiro who worked for Secretary Clinton when she was Senator
    and then worked for me when I became Senator. Geri worked well
    into her eighties, maybe even her nineties, as the head of our
    Westchester regional office. She was the resident expert on the
    nuclear facility. She took all the meetings about Indian Point.
    She was one of the most knowledgeable, thoughtful, and wise
    leaders we had in our office.
        I know that no matter what someone's age is, they can still
    contribute meaningfully to the work of any organization, any
    community, and any company. Many people want to return to work
    for mental stimulation or community involvement, but too often
    people return to work out of financial necessity. This is
    especially true for 42 percent of private sector employees who
    do not have access to employer retirement plans, and 44 percent
    who do not participate regardless. Another factor compounding
    this financial need is the reality that many people step back
    from working and saving to care for children or aging parents.
        Today, you'll hear about the Senior Community Service
    Employment Program or SCSEP. SCSEP is an Older Americans Act
    program that helps older adults who face the most pressing
    barriers to employment, such as those who are homeless or have
    a disability, find meaningful work that they enjoy. SCSEP does
    fantastic work to train and place older adults in meaningful
    employment. It also serves as another reminder about why
    passing the Older Americans Act reauthorization is so
    important.
        I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about
    the importance of the SCSEP program and the incredible
    contributions that older adults provide in our workforce.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member.
        I'd now like to introduce our first witness, Jon Taffer. He
    is a renowned entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and television
    personality with nearly four decades of experience transforming
    businesses and revitalizing communities. As the host of the hit
    series Bar Rescue, Mr. Taffer has become a household name for
    his hands-on approach to helping struggling businesses reach
    their full potential.
        Beyond his business acumen, Jon is deeply committed to
    community engagement and philanthropy. Through his ventures
    such as Taffer's Tavern, he has championed initiatives that
    support veterans and local nonprofits whose primary goal is to
    make their communities a better place to live and work.
        He is living proof that business and community involvement
    in your senior years is a path to power of purpose as insights
    and experience are invaluable for our discussion here today.
    Thank you for being here. You may begin your testimony.

            STATEMENT OF JON TAFFER, CHAIRMAN & CEO, TAFFER

             DYNAMICS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & HOST, PARAMOUNT

               NETWORK'S "BAR RESCUE," LAS VEGAS, NEVEDA

        Mr. Taffer. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and
    members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to be
    here today. It's an honor to speak with you on a topic that's
    not only timely, but personal: aging with purpose.
        I started in hospitality in 1973 as a bartender at Barney's
    Beanery in Hollywood, California. Five years later, I was
    running the Troubadour nightclub, where legends took the stage
    and music history was made. By the 1980's, I was operating my
    own bar, and since then I've owned 17 different hospitality
    businesses. These days I'm perhaps known as the executive
    producer and host of Bar Rescue. What I do on that show is
    really about one thing, helping people find their purpose
    again, often when they've lost all hope.
        I've been fortunate to work with hundreds of business
    owners on Bar Rescue, many of whom were hanging on by a thread
    financially, emotionally, and many times both. What turns
    things around for them isn't just better finances or improved
    operations, it's when people reconnect with a sense of purpose,
    when they remember why they started, and who they're doing it
    for, and it doesn't just apply to business owners, it applies
    to all of us, especially as we age.
        I've seen firsthand the moment when a senior regains a
    sense of purpose. I change the lives of seniors so often,
    whether it's through my show, mentorship programs, volunteer
    work, or even rejoining the workforce. When they see hope and
    feel accomplishment, they light up. Their posture changes,
    their eyes light up. Everything about them changes in all of
    their mannerisms and outlooks. Their energy, commitment, and
    attitude often rival employees half their age.
        Many people lose purpose in phases. First, the kids leave
    home, then later they retire. Maybe they lose their home, they
    stop mowing their lawn. Without the structure of a job, co-
    workers, or daily goals, they're left unanchored. We spend
    decades striving, raising families, building careers, solving
    problems, and suddenly that drive doesn't have anywhere to go.
    It disappears.
        When even a small sense of accomplishment or a chance to
    help someone reenters their lives, when they become part of a
    team again, or offer guidance to someone just starting out,
    it's powerful. It changes lives, and I've seen it hundreds of
    times, and in some cases, it extends those lives.
        This isn't just anecdotal. Research shows people who have a
    sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. Purpose improves
    mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life,
    and seniors are a massive, often overlooked reservoir of
    knowledge, skill, and mentorship just waiting to be activated.
        In hospitality for example, immigrant business owners
    account for approximately 40 percent of the industry. They're
    often self-taught operating with passion, with little formal
    business training. Imagine pairing these owners with retired
    professionals who spent their careers, managing teams,
    overseeing logistics, or running companies. This is a win-win.
    The business gets expert advice. The seniors get purpose,
    respect, and a chance to make an impact.
        I applaud the work already being done by the Small Business
    Administration and local chambers of commerce to support
    mentorship, but the demand far exceeds the supply. SCORE, the
    Service Corps of Retired business Rxecutives is a good example
    which could use more resources. We need to make it easier and
    more rewarding for seniors to step back into these roles or
    even part-time or volunteer basis. The strength of this country
    isn't found in a boardroom. Nope. It's not even found here in
    the Senate. I dare to say it's found in a 34 million small
    businesses across America that are part of their communities
    that provide purpose, and in the millions of experienced
    Americans who are ready to contribute, if only we give them the
    opportunity.
        Purpose is what gets us up every morning, and everyone
    deserves to feel that purpose. Whether you're 22 or 72. Helping
    others gives me purpose. Seeing dreams come back to life when
    people think all is lost is one of the most meaningful things
    I've done in my career. On tv, it may look like I have all the
    answers, but I'm still learning every day. What I do have is 40
    years of hard-earned lessons, and I'm here today to share what
    I've learned, that age is not the end of value, it's the
    multiplier of it.
        Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
        The Chairman. Thank you. We all like your show.
        Mr. Taffer. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Also from the great State of Florida, I'd
    like to introduce Dr. Paul Broadie. He's been the President of
    Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida since February 2020.
    Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his wave room
    commitment to student success, innovation, and community
    engagement. Under his leadership, Santa Fe College has
    continued its tradition of academic excellence and expanded its
    reach as an institution for both academic and workforce
    education programs.
        His vision for Santa Fe College is rooted in the pillars of
    student success, institutional growth, innovation, and
    meaningful partnerships. His leadership is marked by a deep
    belief in the transformative power of education and a
    commitment to shattering barriers that impede student success.
    Thank you for being here, and please begin your testimony.

             STATEMENT OF DR. PAUL BROADIE II, PRESIDENT,
                 SANTA FE COLLEGE, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

        Dr. Broadie. Thank you. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member
    Gillibrand, and members of the Committee, thank you for the
    opportunity to speak with you today, and thank you for
    centering this topic on an area that deeply resonates with the
    work that we do at Santa Fe College and Community Colleges
    across the Nation.
        I want to thank Senator Scott and Senator Moody for their
    ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities in
    Florida. The Florida Public University and college system has
    been ranked number one in the Nation for the past nine years.
    Our state has kept tuition low and outcomes high, and our
    community colleges have played a vital role in ensuring that
    learning remains accessible at every age and every stage of
    life.
        At Santa Fe College and at our community colleges across
    the country, older adults are not simply participants in
    lifelong learning. They're contributors to the workforce,
    they're mentors, they're role models, and they are tremendous
    sources of wisdom for the students and the institutions around
    them.
        Last year alone, more than 90,000 Americans, aged 50 and
    older earned a degree or certificate from a community college.
    That reflects a powerful truth: older adults want to keep
    learning. They want to remain engaged, and they want to stay
    connected to a changing world. Community colleges are uniquely
    positioned to support these individuals. At Santa Fe College,
    more than 1200 of our degree seeking students are over the age
    of 40. They are enrolled in programs such as health sciences,
    IT, the trades, short term certifications, and apprenticeship
    programs.
        At our business incubators and business incubators across
    the Nation, community colleges are housing older Americans who
    are exploring how to turn their passions into businesses. At
    Santa Fe College, we currently have 11 entrepreneurs in their
    40's, 50's, and 60's, planning to launch a new business from
    our business incubator. Stories like these are not rare.
    They're part of the community college mission. Our commitment
    to older adults also includes programs that help families in
    those experiencing life transitions.
        Santa Fe Colleges workforce award-winning program, ACB
    Excel provides a two-generation model where we target
    unemployed and underemployed individuals who are mostly over
    the age of 40, and we provide them with short-term rapid
    credentialing so that they can thrive in the workforce. These
    individuals over the years, we've done it four years in a row
    and the job placement rate has been a 100 percent. That
    provides family stability for these individuals.
        Another cornerstone of our efforts, are programs like our
    Displaced Homemaker program. Over the past 40 years, we've put
    4,500 individuals into our Displaced Homemaker program and
    allowed them to reenter the workforce after the death of a
    spouse, a divorce, or a major event. Programs like this provide
    an economic pathway to stability.
        Nationally, 63 percent of our veteran students are aged 30
    or older. Santa Fe College and colleges across the Nation
    provide vital avenues for veterans to transition from military
    service to civilian careers. Beyond degrees, Colleges across
    the Nation are offering a wide array of non-credit community
    education courses to help older adults learn new skills,
    explore hobbies, and start new businesses. Nearly 65 percent of
    our community education participants are over the age of 50.
        Florida, and many other states also offer the opportunity
    for residents aged 60 and older to audit academic courses free
    of charge. These students receive high access to quality
    instruction without a financial barrier. We also partner with
    retirement communities and assisted living centers to bring
    educational experiences directly into the facilities for the
    older learners, and our older adults, they volunteer on our
    campuses, they serve on our advisory boards, and they volunteer
    to teach at our institutions.
        As this Committee considers the impact of seniors in
    today's economy, I encourage you to continue recognizing and
    investing in the vital role that community colleges play. We
    are the most accessible point of entry into higher education.
    We are local, we are affordable, we are flexible, and we are
    deeply connected to the communities that we serve. With a
    modest investment in community colleges, we can scale programs
    that support workforce reentry, re-skill individuals, enable
    individuals to launch new careers, improve mental engagement,
    reduce social isolation, and promote lifelong learning.
        Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and members of
    the Committee, when we invest in lifelong learning, we
    strengthen our workforce and we build communities where every
    individual, regardless of age, has the opportunity to learn,
    contribute, and flourish.
        Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to
    America's older adults. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you for your testimony. Santa Fe has
    been really successful for a long time. Jackson Sasser did a
    good job, and you're doing a great job.
        I'd like to welcome back before the Committee, Rachel
    Greszler. She's a nationally recognized expert on workforce,
    retirement, and fiscal policy. She's a senior research fellow
    at the Heritage Foundation. She has spent over a decade
    analyzing, advising on issues such as fiscal policy, pensions,
    and labor policy. Before joining Heritage in 2013, she served
    as a senior economist for the Joint Economic Committee of
    Congress for seven years.
        Her research is marked by a commitment to promoting
    economic growth, individual freedom, and fiscal responsibility.
    Her expectation and passion for practical people-focused
    solutions make her an invaluable resource for today's
    discussion on the role of purpose, responsibility, and
    engagement in later life.
        Thanks for being here and look forward to your testimony.

             STATEMENT OF RACHEL GRESZLER, SENIOR RESEARCH

                 FELLOW, WORKFORCE AND PUBLIC FINANCE,

                THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON, DC

        Ms. Greszler. Thank you. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member
    Gillibrand, and members of the Committee, good afternoon and
    thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
        I would like to focus on three points in my remarks. First,
    is that demographic shifts mean that older Americans are
    increasingly vital contributors to our economy. Second,
    cultural ails cry out for older generations to impart their
    wisdom, judgment, and resilience on younger generations, and
    third, policymakers should make it easier for older Americans
    to remain engaged in meaningful activities.
        Older Americans currently make up a greater share of the
    population and of the workforce than ever before, and that
    trend will continue amidst a declining fertility rate, rising
    life expectancies, and the aging of the baby boomers. By 2034,
    there will be for the first time in history, more seniors in
    America than there are children. The good news is that older
    Americans labor force participation has been rising, and
    because of health improvements as well as less physically
    demanding jobs, studies show that there's room for even greater
    expansion.
        When I think about aging with purpose, I think about a
    gentleman named Clement Troutman. Clement had a long and
    successful career in the Navy, and then as a defense
    contractor. Instead of retiring early, Clement decided at age
    60 to pursue his dream of owning his own business, and he
    opened a tropical smoothie cafe. Having turned 67 on Monday of
    this week, Clement now operates that cafe, which is one of the
    chain's most successful stores, alongside his daughter and he
    also opened two more stores in 2025.
        Now, these stores are clearly improving the economy, but
    equally important is that Clements continued engagement is
    improving people's lives. I can't give justice to the passion
    and the joy that Clement has for his employees, or the positive
    impact that I imagine he's having on them, other than to say, I
    wish that my two teenage sons could be working for him.
        Clement actually says he doesn't have employees. Rather, he
    has team members. They're his dream team, and whether they are
    high schoolers working part-time, or single parents providing
    for their families, Clement sits down twice a year with each of
    his team members to give them feedback on their work and see
    how he can help them to reach their goals.
        This influence of older generations setting standards and
    mentoring younger ones is a prescription for reversing some of
    society's most troubling trends. A recent Understanding America
    study revealed the single biggest decline of any character
    trait in recorded history, and that decline is in
    conscientiousness among younger Americans ages 16 to 39.
    Younger people today are more careless and distracted. They're
    less tenacious and resilient. They make fewer commitments, and
    they often fail to follow through on the ones that they do
    make.
        There are also four million fewer young people working
    today than there were in 2000. Perhaps more than ever, younger
    Americans need to engage with and learn from older Americans,
    and while policymakers can't force these continued connections,
    they can remove obstacles that make it harder for older
    Americans to stay engaged. One way to do that is by eliminating
    Social Security's retirement earnings test. These little-known
    and outdated earnings test effectively takes away $1 in Social
    Security benefits for $2 in every earnings over $23,000 per
    year if those individuals are under age 67.
        Now that can lead to marginal tax rates as high as 84
    percent on middle income seniors, which not surprisingly causes
    many of them to work less than they would otherwise choose to.
    Eliminating the earnings test would increase employment,
    increase incomes and economic output, and it would boost tax
    revenues and actually improve Social Security solvency. It
    would also eliminate all the confusion that seniors face with
    this test, and it would make the Social Security
    administration's job a lot easier. This could also offer a rare
    bipartisan solution. After all the last time that Congress
    addressed the earnings test in 2000, they passed a fully
    bipartisan bill.
        The Modern Worker Empowerment Act is another bill that
    would make it easier for seniors to transition from traditional
    employment into flexible contract-based work, and Senator
    Scott's Health Freedom Accounts proposal would allow
    individuals, including seniors to directly receive federal
    healthcare subsidy and health savings accounts that they own
    and that they can use for future healthcare costs instead of
    that money going to insurers, even if they don't spend it on
    healthcare.
        Nothing I'm advocating requires any more or any less
    government spending. By simply removing existing barriers,
    policymakers can make it easier for seniors to strengthen the
    economy and the fabric of society.
        Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Good job.
        Now, I'd like to recognize the Ranking Member Gillibrand to
    introduce the next witness.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Chairman Scott. I want to
    move to introduce our next witness, Christine Osasu. Ms. Osasu
    has been director of the Senior Community Service Employment
    Program at Legacy Link, Oakwood, Georgia for the past three
    years where she champions economic opportunity and workforce
    inclusion for older adults across Georgia.
        Ms. Osasu expanded Legacy Link's reach through targeted
    digital empowerment programs, helping older adults build
    essential technology skills for today's job market. Previously,
    she was the director of Strategic Marketing Communications
    Grant Development at Habitat for Humanity of Hall County.
        Ms. Osasu, you may begin your testimony.

                STATEMENT OF CHRISTINE OSASU, DIRECTOR,

                  SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT

                 PROGRAM, LEGACY LINK, OAKWOOD, GEORGIA

        Ms. Osasu. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and
    distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for this
    opportunity. It is a privilege afforded to very few to speak
    before this esteemed body, and I do so with both deep gratitude
    and a profound responsibility to the seniors in my community.
    Their stories deserve to be heard, and I'm honored to share a
    few of them with you today.
        My name is Christine Osasu, and for the past 10 years, I
    have served Georgia's most vulnerable populations. First at the
    Habitat for Humanity and for the last four years as the
    director of the Senior Community Service Employment Program at
    the Legacy Link, a non-profit area agency on aging. Our SCESP
    program serves 107 counties as a proud sub-grantee of the
    National Council on Aging.
        Today, I'm here to share how SCSEP has transformed lives,
    empowering older adults to reenter the workforce, reclaim their
    confidence, affirm their value, pay taxes, and take meaningful
    steps toward self-sufficiency. I'm also here to share the
    devastating impact of the four and a half month funding pause,
    a crisis that left nearly 30,000 seniors across the country in
    limbo without income, structure, or support. I'm grateful to
    ranking member Gillibrand for leading a group letter,
    addressing the funding delay, and to Chairman Scott and Ranking
    Member Gillibrand for their bipartisan efforts to reintroduce
    the Older Americans Act reauthorization.
        SCSEP authorized under the OAA, is a federally funded job
    training program for low-income seniors age 55 and up. It
    operates much like a paid internship, providing seniors hands-
    on training at nonprofit and government agencies. Host agencies
    gain skill dedicated workers at no cost, many of whom
    transition into permanent roles. Investing in seniors means
    investing in experience, reliability, and resilience. Seniors
    are valuable, capable members of the workforce who enrich every
    organization they join.
        When given the opportunity, these older workers support
    themselves with dignity, reducing reliance on public
    assistance. Mrs. Plant, age 59 shared her story. "After losing
    my husband to COVID in 2020, I became homeless. Bouncing
    between shelters and motels. SCSEP helped me stabilize my life.
    It allowed me to cover basic needs, pursue training in medical
    coding, and give back by serving meals at the soup kitchen.
    Without it, I'd be at risk of losing everything again."
        The critical role of SCSEP was apparent this year. The
    Department of Labor's delay in releasing SCSEP funds furloughed
    thousands of participants and dismantled the program's
    infrastructure nationwide. The participants who faced this
    leave without pay, suffer through missed meals, skipped
    medications, unstable housing, grandchildren going without
    school supplies, and growing uncertainty about the future,
    especially as they were not eligible for unemployment, and
    we're still rebuilding from this setback.
        To some, a 7.25 an hour training wage may seem
    insignificant, but for someone surviving on less than $1,600
    per month, this paid training is a bridge to financial
    security. A short while into the pause, an undeliverable letter
    led to an unexpected heartbreak. When I called the participant
    to verify his address, he said, "Ms. Christine, I wish I could
    give you an updated address, but I don't have one. I couldn't
    pay for my housing. I've maxed out my time in the shelter, and
    now I'm living in a tent."
        Regardless of income, seniors face persistent age
    discrimination in the workforce. Imagine applying for a job
    without an email or computer skills, a reality for many
    seniors. SCSEP provides tools and training to overcome those
    barriers. Last year, we launched a digital empowerment program
    giving participants tablets and tech training, opening doors to
    jobs and independence. SCSEP delivers a strong return on
    investment by preparing seniors for meaningful employment,
    benefiting not just the individual, but society at large.
        Beyond financial security, SCSEP reduces social isolation
    and boost mental and physical health, creating healthy,
    engaged, older adults, a vital asset for our economy. With the
    right tools and opportunities, seniors don't just participate,
    they lead, mentor, and multiply impact. SCSEP is the key to
    stronger businesses, reduced public spending, and a more
    inclusive and resilient workforce.
        Thank you for your commitment to our seniors. I urge you to
    remain diligent in the fight for a better world for older
    Americans because we are all aging and we deserve to age well.
        The Chairman. Thank you very much. Now we're going to start
    with questions with Senator Moody.
        Senator Moody. Thank you, Chairman Scott, Ranking Member
    Gillibrand, you have done such a great job of holding these
    hearings and making them relevant to the issues that seniors
    are facing today, and I commend you for that.
        I don't know that the Aging Committee has ever been this
    active, and I think it's fabulous. Coming from the Silver
    State, the great free State of Florida, Senator Scott and I are
    grateful and we're getting a lot out of these hearings. Thank
    you to our amazing witnesses here today. I will note that two
    of them are Floridians. One more recent than the other, but
    certainly two are Floridians.
        I wanted to start talking about a stat that workers ages 55
    or older have been the fastest growing age group in the labor
    force for more than two decades making up 24 percent of the
    U.S. workforce in 2022, and they're going to continue to be a
    vibrant part of our workforce. I don't think this is changing
    anytime soon as we heard from one of our witnesses who provided
    some great stats. Some never left the workforce. I think we
    heard testimony of a specific case where they went straight
    from retiring from a defense contractor into owning a tropical
    smoothie. They never leave. There's never a break, and others
    are trying to reenter the workforce. Some will face barriers to
    that reentry.
        We are hearing from institutions like Santa Fe Community
    College or State College to talk about how they're assisting in
    filling those learning gaps or helping retrain or re-skill
    people to enter back into the workforce and offer training for
    older adults, and while older adults can obtain the necessary
    skills to succeed in the workforce, they can find employment,
    expand their businesses, and build a community while supporting
    themselves.
        One of the things Mr. Broadie I think that's so great about
    what you've done since you took over at Santa Fe, is you were
    very focused not on the traditional array of available degrees
    like associate's degrees, bachelor degrees, but you were
    focused also on reskilling and upskilling opportunities, and I
    think that you stated that you have been working with older
    Floridians to receive credentialing and even other skills to
    enter back into the workforce.
        Just quickly, what is the primary motivating factor of
    those that are seeking to do that at Santa Fe in their senior
    years?
        Dr. Broadie. The majority of them, it's a second career and
    it's primarily focused on income, sustaining themselves
    financially. We launched a CDL program, 46 percent of
    participants were aged 50 and older. It was short term, so they
    don't want to necessarily spend getting an associate's degree.
    They want to do something short term that provides a financial
    stability for themselves.
        Senator Moody. I noticed that you--and I don't know that
    you talked about this in your testimony, but in your biography,
    you talked about offering scholarships for short term
    credentialing. Are those also available for older Floridians?
        Dr. Broadie. Yes. The ACB program that I spoke about is
    open to all individuals that are unemployed and underemployed,
    but that is fully funded by philanthropic dollars and the
    majority of participants in there are older adults.
        Senator Moody. I want to commend you for thinking outside
    the traditional educational opportunities at our state colleges
    and community colleges, even our universities. I think for so
    long we have thought about college meaning one thing and trade
    school or skills development, meaning something else, but in
    reality, both are trying to skill people to enter into a
    workforce.
        If we're entering into a time period, and I believe it's
    been banged into people's heads for so long that they should go
    to college to be successful, and we've got to unwind what that
    means. Success is actually getting a skill to be able to
    provide for your family and having purpose in your life.
        I love the colleges and institutions that are saying, okay,
    what are our workforce demands right now in our area or in our
    state? What are our companies and our businesses saying we need
    this to thrive, we need this type of workforce, this skilled
    workforce. I'm loving that colleges are thinking about, okay,
    if they need these skills and if maybe these have been
    credentialed and maybe different type of certificate program or
    other type of program in the past, how can we blend that
    together with a college degree and earn credits toward an AA?
    Maybe they could start working right away and continue on and
    get a degree later if they want, but it goes toward that.
        Do you find that that's attractive not just to seniors, but
    also younger folks that maybe really have that pull to go to a
    college or a community college or even a university but yet
    want to start working and want to get a trade and maybe do both
    at the same time?
        Dr. Broadie. That is very attractive, and one of the things
    that we strategically do is we work very closely, you mentioned
    it, with business and industry and we develop programs that are
    matched to the needs of business and industry, and then we
    create these stackable opportunities where you can get a
    jumpstart, you can get out into the workforce, and then you can
    come back to us and finish your degree, while you're working.
        Senator Moody. Do it while you're in the workforce, right?
        Dr. Broadie. Yes.
        Senator Moody. I want to commend you for that, for
    thinking--I noticed with your background and your initiative
    since you took over, of course you're thinking outside the box
    in the great free State of Florida, that's what we do. That's
    why we're the number one college and university system in the
    Nation, but I really do think we have to start thinking about
    that for all of our colleges and universities.
        If kids are drawn and seniors, really any stage of life,
    are drawn to an educational institution, but want to get a
    valuable trade and skill to work, how can we start blending
    those? I really commend you for taking that step and making
    that available and the great city of Gainesville, Florida.
    Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Moody. I'll turn it over
    to Ranking Member Gillibrand.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you very much. I want to talk
    about the funding freeze for the SCSEP program. Since this
    hearing was originally scheduled for July, the SCSEP program
    has experienced a four-and-a-half-month delay in federal
    funding. This funding lapse was devastating, not only for SCSEP
    staff, but also for program participants who saw SCSEP as the
    last hope to rejoin the workforce.
        As we heard earlier, for one older adult, this funding
    lapse cost them their home. This year, billions in federal
    funding have been delayed, withheld, and sometimes canceled
    completely. The pain this causes is not abstract. It hurts real
    people and especially the most vulnerable.
        Ms. Osasu, can you please talk about the impact of this
    funding lapse on your program and the older adults it serves?
    Can you also elaborate on why this shouldn't happen again?
        Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Ranking Member Gillibrand. The harm
    of the funding pause cannot be overstated. The delay stripped
    away hope from a people that were already very fragile, and in
    most cases, SCSEP was the first employment opportunity that had
    said yes to them in a very long time, in a long string of nos,
    and when something like that happens, the harm is immediate. As
    you know, this meant homelessness for some, others it meant
    rationing their medication. One woman told me about how she was
    splitting her pills and taking one here and one there instead
    of taking the recommended amount because she didn't have
    funding any longer.
        It also took a mental toll on my participants who many of
    them shared their suicidal ideation, their total loss of hope.
    They didn't know what was going to happen. This was their
    connection to the community. This was their income. This
    informed every section of their life, and although the funds
    were eventually released, the damage was already done.
    Restoring funding didn't magically make their homelessness now
    go away. It didn't cure the harm of that profound loss of hope,
    and it should have never happened.
        Programs like SCSEP are not luxuries they are investments
    in vulnerable populations and older adults and investments into
    our community, and when the funding is paused for any of these
    necessary programs, the price is paid in human suffering, and
    once the damage is done, there are no quick fixes.
        Senator Gillibrand. In combating homelessness, this past
    July, after sending a letter to the Department of Labor
    demanding the administration release the SCSEP funding, I held
    a listening session and heard from over 70 older adults about
    the impact of the SCSEP funding pause on their careers and
    daily lives. During this listening session, people talked about
    the incredible purpose SCSEP gave them, as well as the tangible
    impact it had on their financial health.
        SCSEP serves people who have faced the most pressing
    lifelong barriers to savings and employment. Can you share any
    other stories about the SCSEP that SCSEP has helped people and
    what ways it made a difference in lifting them out of their
    dire circumstances and specifically combating homelessness?
        Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Ranking Member Gillibrand for the
    question. The first person that comes to mind for me is a woman
    that I met in a rural mountain county in North Georgia. When we
    first spoke, she was living in a tent on a mountainside. She
    was clearly embarrassed of her situation. She was bathing in
    perfume, doing the best she could to present herself in a
    favorable light despite her situation. She was ashamed. She
    told me how embarrassed she was to talk to her children. It put
    this void in her life. She wasn't proud of herself and what was
    going on.
        SCSEP, we partnered with her. We worked step by step to
    untangle these complex problems that people in poverty have,
    and through her SCSEP job training program, we were able to
    first find her a host agency where she could receive that paid
    job training. She began training as a receptionist and then we
    found her a room share situation so she had a place to live, so
    it was just kind of each little piece at a time.
        Tthat's what we do in SCSEP, is we identify their barriers.
    We make a personalized job training plan and it has to address
    all of those issues because you can't have a person get a job
    if they are homeless, if they are not showering, if there's a
    transportation issue. Transportation came up as well. Her truck
    broke down. We worked with the host agency to be able to get
    her a bus ticket so that she could get back and forth where she
    needed to go.
        If you met that woman today, you would have no idea that
    she was living on a mountainside in North Georgia with these
    types of problems, because she was able to rebuild her life,
    but she needed the extra help. She was never going to do it on
    her own. She needed a social worker to work through each of
    those individual issues.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you.
        Ms. Osasu. Yes, ma'am.
        The Chairman. Senator Justice.
        Senator Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member,
    thank our witnesses. Now I'm going to go a little bit different
    way because I'm not much of a politician and I'm a new kid on
    the block here that's got a lot of white hair and maybe a
    little bit of wisdom, but a whole lot of white hair.
        Let me just say just this. If you could just think about
    this, in the State of West Virginia where I'm from, there's
    lots and lots and lots of seniors with lots and lots of
    challenges and we all know that and everything. A lot of these
    seniors are not quietly going into being seniors and they
    absolutely desire so much, but absolutely we some way, somehow
    have gotten completely away from it in my book.
        You see, I think they want hope and they want belief and
    they want interaction and they want goodness with young people.
    They have an ability to contribute that's off the charts. We
    need to quit teaching them how to play shuffleboard or teaching
    them how to knit or teaching them how to be together with one
    another. They don't want to be with other seniors. For god's
    sake, for a living they want to be with kids. They want to be,
    believe it or not, with baby dog, they want to be absolutely
    with a purpose, with a challenge.
        I wish to goodness we'd rename them instead of calling them
    seniors, we'd call them wisdom. Because really and truly, why
    should they be labeled? Labeled, "Oh, those are just seniors,
    you know, they're very limited in what they can do." Well, I
    don't believe that. I've never believed that. They could give
    us so much it is unbelievable, and in so many situations we
    just back away, and then we struggle with all the different
    challenges that they may have, and they surely do have so many
    obstacles. They're forgotten in too many ways.
        We absolutely should remember that forevermore. Again, all
    you witnesses are fantastic, and I salute the great job you do
    in every way. You know, I've seen Brother Jon in action, you
    know, and I commend you beyond belief because you're doing
    something where you're stepping up. You're stepping up after
    you're phenomenally, phenomenally, you know, successful in
    every way, but then you're giving back and you're stepping up
    and you're getting so many people involved it's unbelievable.
        You know, I'd just like to just say this. First of all,
    thank you to all. Jon, especially thank you to you. Let me just
    ask just this. In West Virginia, we're growing in hospitality
    like crazy, tourism is exploding in lots of different ways. You
    need workers, you need absolute workers. You love to have
    skilled workers. You love to have people that are genuinely
    concerned and value the job.
        You know, my question would be just really simple. You
    know, how have you found and filled those positions? How,
    absolutely can you tell us how you can work through the wickets
    on the workforce gaps? Can you tell us just how strong the
    contributors are when you get the right folks of our wisdom,
    not our seniors, on day one?
        Mr. Taffer. Thank you for the question, Senator Justice. A
    quick story on what you said. Years ago when I was young and
    not as wise as I am today, I had a senior mentor who walked
    with a walker, and we would take walks together from place to
    place, and I would ask questions and he would mentor me during
    these walks. And as a young individual, I got so frustrated by
    the pace of his walking until one day I realized, wait a
    minute. The slower he walks, the more questions I can ask, the
    more time I have to interact. And I learned to appreciate that
    slow walk and the benefit I had once I had that realization was
    very powerful to me.
        You know, another story, sir, if I can I owned a restaurant
    years ago that was losing a lot of money. I had tried a number
    of managers and in my industry, finding management and human
    resources has been a challenge for us for many years. There was
    a gentleman who retired as an auto mechanic. He was almost 70
    years old. He couldn't work with his hands anymore like he used
    to.
        You know, he knew supply, he knew training, he knew running
    a business. He knew customer service. I gave this man the keys
    to my restaurant. From losing over 200,000 a year, I started
    making about 300,000 a year in almost no time. The employees
    loved him. He elevated the team. He was a person of respect and
    integrity. I share that there's a whole bunch of seniors that
    are impacted.
        The relationship with SBA to the mission of this Committee
    is important too. As I travel across the country, I've helped
    thousands of small businesses in almost every state of our
    union. Every demographic, every market type you can imagine,
    and the connectivity to seniors and small business is a
    powerful one. When I look at the cost of living impact today,
    post pandemic impacts today, you know, the SBA and the mission
    of this Committee could be linked better.
        You know, I look at how the SEC, for example, doesn't allow
    an unaccredited investor to put everything on the line and lose
    everything they own, but yet in a business environment, in an
    SBA environment, that can happen, so I just want to iterate
    that there's an opportunity to cross train, cross utilize
    seniors that isn't quite realized.
        One last point, as one who consults to large corporations,
    many of them, and one who helps small businesses, my passion is
    the small business. It's a lot easier to place a senior in a
    smaller business than it is a major corporation. It just is.
    That's just the way it is today. And again, I suggest that SBA
    and the small business segment of America can help solve some
    of the problems that we have in aging.
        One more point, and then I'll be finished, Senator. When
    you hire a senior person for a community-based business, that
    older individual has hundreds of relationships in that
    marketplace that the young employee does not have. It's a
    marketing machine. It's a connective tissue to the community to
    drive revenues. When we think of the relationship power of the
    seniors, not only the experience, that's a powerful asset to a
    business.
        I think we would be better served if we communicated these
    things to the marketplace better in that people don't want to
    invest in a senior because they don't get the long-term
    benefit, but business is about short-term objectives to achieve
    long-term benefits. And those seniors can help with those
    short-term objectives in every case. I hope I answered your
    question, sir.
        Senator Justice. You did very well, sir and I appreciate
    you. Let me say one more thing before we leave, and that's just
    this, our Chairman and our Ranking Member, they have done a
    marvelous job. You should really be really proud of all the
    good stuff you're doing, so I thank them too.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you.
        The Chairman. You know Jon, when my daughters worked at
    restaurants in high school, I went there a lot more.
        Mr. Taffer. Yep, that's exactly correct.
        The Chairman. I can remember one of them, I really liked
    the restaurant, but once she stopped working there, it was just
    a little far, too far to go, but I went there every week when
    she worked there.
        Mr. Taffer. You know, we talk about connectivity for
    seniors. When you work in a small business in the heart of a
    town, it increases that connectivity too and that sense of
    purpose for sure.
        The Chairman. Yes. Generally, you know, there's some
    studies that the number one reason people go to certain
    restaurants or bars is that someone remembers them.
        Mr. Taffer. No question. Especially when they connect with
    you, you go back to see your buddy Joe.
        The Chairman. Dr. Broadie, many older Americans are eager
    to remain active in the workforce but need to update their
    skills. How can our colleges and universities, especially our
    community colleges expand access to affordable and short-term
    programs tailored to seniors who want to re-skill or pivot
    careers?
        Dr. Broadie. I think colleges need to be very intentional
    in working with the business and industry to determine where
    the gaps are and what the needs are and then develop programs
    such as what we've done, programs that specifically target
    individuals and then train them for those skills. This way you
    get to places of 100 percent job placement because the students
    are trained for exactly what the employers are looking for.
        It's been very successful at Santa Fe College. It's very
    important that we are nimble and putting students into
    employment that the employers are looking for, putting them
    into degree programs and certificate programs that the
    employers are looking for.
        The Chairman. Yes, you have to think of a student that
    finishes and there's no job where somebody--I mean, I think a
    lot of schools around the country have lied to them. I remember
    when I was Governor, I was talking to all these kids and
    they're telling me about these degrees I said, "Is there even a
    job?"
        Rachel, you've written extensively about the economic value
    of work across all ages. What trends are you seeing in senior
    labor force participation and what policies can encourage older
    Americans who want to start a business or keep working to do
    so?
        Ms. Greszler. One of the most positive trends, I think has
    been the increase in the ability to work independently, whether
    you call that freelancing, gig work, independent contractor,
    but to be able to retire from the traditional nine to five job,
    having to report to the boss on their time and to be able to
    shift into this type of work. I've seen it in my grandfather
    and in both of my parents. And it's just a way to be able to
    remain engaged and yet to still have the freedom and the
    flexibility to maybe go care for grandchildren, volunteering,
    just pursuing those things that you wanted to do in your golden
    years.
        One statistic said that 29 percent of the baby boom
    professionals are freelancing in some capacity. I think that's
    a great thing, but there are additional steps that could be
    taken to help make that more accessible. Particularly measures
    that would allow those individuals to still be able to get the
    traditional workplace benefits. Healthcare is extremely
    important if you're not yet of Medicare age, but to be able to
    have access to that healthcare.
        There's things like the unlocking benefits for Independent
    Workers Act that would allow those individuals to still
    contribute into retirement account, still get that healthcare
    from an employer, even if they're only a contractor. Definitely
    clarifying the rule on who can and can't be an independent
    contractor through the Modern Worker Empowerment Act would
    help. Then your Healthcare Freedom Accounts proposal would be a
    great way for individuals to be able to actually build savings
    up that they can use even in the future when they are on
    Medicare, but to have that money that could help them pay for
    the out-of-pocket costs.
        The Chairman. Perfect. Christine, many of the communities
    you serve are rural or small towns. How does the "Aging with
    purpose" conversation differ in those areas compared to urban
    ones, especially in terms of civic engagement, job access, and
    social connections?
        Ms. Osasu. Thank you, Chairman Scott. That's an excellent
    question. In the rural areas, we talk a lot about the digital
    divide. I'm sure you've all heard digital divide. What we're
    really saying is if they don't have access to internet, if they
    don't have access to the training to utilize a computer or a
    smartphone and so forth, they are suffering in this digital
    divide. When we think about rural areas, there's going to be
    less opportunity just by virtue of there's less businesses for
    them to train at, less nonprofits for them to go gain skills
    and so forth.
        When we think about seniors in rural communities, we really
    think about that digital divide and the way to address that, of
    course, is to ensure that everybody has access to internet.
    Then additionally, everyone has access to the training to
    utilize that internet. As I said, we implemented a job training
    program with tablets. You can't just hand a tablet and a
    keyboard to a senior and say, "All right, you got internet, you
    got your tablet, you're ready to go."
        Now there's a few steps after that that have to be taken,
    but once you take those steps, they can become data managers.
    That's a real story I've seen that happen. Took a woman who had
    never used a computer and two years later she got a job as a
    data manager, so just a little investment goes a long way in
    those rural communities.
        The Chairman. Jon, what would you say to someone who is
    later in their stage of life and is interested in starting a
    business, but feels it may be too late?
        Mr. Taffer. I think that, obviously there's mitigated
    risks: location, finances, revenue, potential and all of that,
    but, you know, if I could tell another story, I was told that
    I'd never be on TV, Senator. I was told that I was too ugly and
    not good looking enough, it'll never happen. One day I realized
    that I'm the only person who can say no to me, and they're the
    only person who can say no to them.
        I would suggest that they say yes to that. And the other
    interesting thing I would say is if a senior's going to get
    into a small business today it's a different economic
    environment and sure costs are higher. It isn't the cost
    that'll take you down, it's the inability to manage those costs
    that'll take a business down. It's management skills more than
    the actual economic environment that we live in.
        I think any dollar invested in the programs that you're
    doing that provide budgetary management skills, supply side
    skills, marketing skills, all of these skills will allow us to
    thrive in almost any economic environment if we know how to
    manage those costs well, and I think a lot of that is
    education. You know, yesterday when I was speaking to minority
    members, Gillibrand's team, we talked about 401(k)'s for a
    couple minutes and the power of 401(k)'s. I said something I
    had never quite thought about before. I see them smiling back
    there.
        You know, we talk about 401(k)'s, but we never sell it. We
    never sell it. You know, we talk about the features of a
    401(k), but do we ever really talk about the benefits? For
    example, if you're 25 years old and you invest in a 401(k),
    when you're 45 years old, you could be a millionaire. We never
    send those messages that----
        The Chairman. I remember back where I was working, they
    never told me to do it.
        Mr. Taffer. There's a pot of gold at the end of that.
        The Chairman. Part of it is they were going to have to put
    up some of the money.
        Mr. Taffer. Yes.
        The Chairman. Economics is telling them not to do it.
        Mr. Taffer. Well, I had my own employees vote if they want
    a 401(k) program or a bonus at the end of the year. They voted
    for the bonus at the end of the year, but the fact is that's
    very shortsighted. My point is, sometimes I think these things
    could be sold in a more motivating way to create greater
    participation.
        The Chairman. Ranking Member Gillibrand.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. This is for all the
    witnesses. I just want you to talk a little bit about why
    working is so meaningful to our older adults. Older adults
    often experience decline in social relations and their sense of
    belonging, increasing the risk of isolation. The benefits of
    social interaction and sense of belonging include emotional
    health, physical health, enhanced cognitive function, increased
    longevity.
        Working can provide people with a strong sense of purpose,
    and it fosters a feeling of contributing something bigger
    themselves. The development of proactive mindset and building
    relationships and records of achievement. We saw this in my
    older employee, Geri Shapiro. She retired in her 80's. She was
    the oldest federal employee in the whole Federal Government
    ever. It's because she just loved serving the people of New
    York. Not only did she have a sense of purpose, but she was not
    only a mentor and a role model for all my junior staff, but
    they all relied on her for advice and guidance. She had a sense
    of family as well being part of our team.
        I'd love to hear from you about what experience you've seen
    in terms of work participation and opportunity impacting the
    lives of seniors and what tangible society or the community
    benefits are derived from that activity. Jon, you can start and
    then we can go across the table.
        Mr. Taffer. You know, earlier today the word hope was used,
    and you know, when I find I'm a little unique because I go into
    a struggling situation. They're in trouble when I walk in.
    Their houses are on the line. Their family future is on the
    line. Retirement dollars are at risk. It's a bad situation that
    I walk into. Hope is gone.
        I find that if I educate without the hope, I'm not
    incentivizing progress. I think one of the greatest
    opportunities we have is to instill hope in people who, no
    matter what work we're all doing together, that hope is very
    motivating. Hope and skill goes a long way, one without the
    other, doesn't travel quite as far. I'll tell you, Senator,
    when I work with these people and that hope appears, what
    happens is physical. How you see their posture, their
    activities change.
        I've done 283 episodes of Bar Rescue, and at the end of
    that episode, I always get a hug, but our microphones are on
    our chests, so nobody hears what's said to me when that hug
    happens. The things that are said is, "Jon, I have a future
    again." "Jon, I'm talking to my son again." "I'm talking to my
    dad again." "Boy, I can pay my bills." "Jon, you saved my
    house." Everything they say isn't, thank you for teaching me,
    it's almost, thank you for giving me hope.
        Dr. Broadie. Thank you, and that's a great question. I'm
    going to talk about, you mentioned mental engagement and you
    mentioned social isolation. When our seniors engage with our
    campus, I'll use one word, I see joy, and they get very
    excited. I see joy on both ends. I see it from the seniors that
    are engaging and the students that they're engaging with. The
    students are gaining wisdom from these individuals.
        We have an undergraduate research program and we have our
    seniors come in and they get engaged with the students in
    helping them with their research and judging the research
    competitions. They're also engaged on our foundation boards.
    They're engaged on our Advisory Committees. Some of these
    individuals are retiring and they want to stay involved, and
    they want to sit on our business Advisory Committee. We are
    getting wisdom from their life experience.
        We continue to engage our seniors, but when they step on
    our campus and I chat with them, the word that I really can
    describe is joy. They feel fulfilled. They feel like they're
    giving back, and they truly are giving back to helping us
    thrive as an institution and helping our students thrive
    through mentorship and all the wisdom that they provide.
        Ms. Greszler. Yes, humans have an innate desire, I would
    call it, a God-given desire to be engaged in meaningful work
    and to be engaged in meaningful relationships, and there is so
    much value in that, and as Senator Justice said, just the
    wisdom that comes from older individuals. An inevitable thing
    about all of us is we're going to get older. To have those
    examples in our lives is so important, and I think that it
    would be, you know, just seeing it more at every level, whether
    it's through volunteer work in the schools, just any ways that
    we can have that intergenerational engagement, everyone will be
    better for it.
        Ms. Osasu. Thank you for the question. Work gives people
    purpose. It gives them pride. It gives them a meaningful reason
    to leave the house in the morning and get dressed up again. You
    wouldn't believe how many seniors said the value in just
    getting dressed, what that means for them, how it transforms
    their day and their life.
        A senior comes to mind, and she's one of the first clients
    I ever worked with. Her name was Ms. Anna. She was in her mid-
    70's, and she was training at a nonprofit thrift store. She was
    cleaning the glassware and creating the displays and that kind
    of business, and early on when I met her, when we were doing
    this job counseling, we identified some mental health issues,
    some paranoia, and other things of that nature, and what we
    found is the more time she spent alone in her apartment, the
    worse it got.
        When she was able to start job training, and we had her
    there five days a week, of course it didn't go away, it's not a
    cure all, but work makes a meaningful difference for a person's
    mental health. She began finding community within her work.
    That's where she made all of her friends, all of the customers
    knew her by name, and she just transformed into this smiley,
    happy person, one of the hardest workers I know, and at 76 she
    was hired on full time and she's still working now at 78, and
    everyone who shops there knows her for her bright personality.
        All of that was made possible through the job training and
    getting a job.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Dr. Broadie, just give me one story of a
    business relationship you have that's helped people get a job
    and a senior citizen get a job.
        Dr. Broadie. [Off mic.] association, and through that
    builders' association, we train apprenticeships. I remember the
    last graduation that we had there was an individual--it was in
    the electrical program, an individual that came across the
    stage. He said, "I'm retired, but I wasn't ready to retire and
    I've always wanted to be an electrician, and through this
    apprenticeship, my dream has come true."
        He was in his late 60's and walking across the stage,
    preparing to start his second career.
        The Chairman. That's a good start. Rachel, seniors
    contribute more than just through paid employment. Can you
    speak to the economic and social value of senior volunteerism,
    caregiving, and civic leadership, and how we might better
    recognize or support these contributions?
        Ms. Greszler. Yes. Seniors have the highest volunteer rates
    across America. Whether that's, you know, in hospitals, as
    hospice assistance, and schools, at community organizations,
    and seniors also are caring a lot for grandchildren. Among
    seniors who have grandchildren under age 18, 20 percent of them
    say that they are caring for those grandchildren on a weekly
    basis if not more than that.
        They're making these huge contributions, not just things
    that they're getting paid for, but those volunteer and caring
    activities as well.
        The Chairman. You know, when I was Governor, I recruited
    all these people to move to Florida and you feel sorry for some
    of these states because people built these businesses and they
    move and they take their charity dollars with them, they take
    their volunteer hours with them, they take all those things,
    and they really make it--like where I live, they make a big
    difference.
        Ms. Greszler. Yes, but oftentimes when an individual is
    able to retire, they can still participate in that same
    activity, you know, without charge. My mom is now working pro
    bono, serving as a advocate for children in the court systems,
    and so still engaging in the same thing she did before, but now
    able to do it on a volunteer basis.
        The Chairman. Yes, where I live in the high school training
    programs, it's a lot of seniors are in there teaching a lot of
    the trade now.
        Christine, do you have any intergenerational initiatives in
    your region where both seniors are working with young people?
        Ms. Osasu. I love the question. Seniors love to interact
    with young people. They love to interact with even babies and
    children, and we have tons of host agencies that have daycare
    initiatives and brother and sister type things. Both parties
    really benefit because I think there's bias on both sides.
    Seniors have biases about younger people. Younger people have
    biases about seniors, but when they get to work together
    closely, they can skate through those biases and learn, wow,
    this person really has value and it's a two-way street when
    they're working together in that capacity, and we love to see
    something like that, yes.
        The Chairman. Especially if they've never met somebody
    that's similar to that person, whatever their characteristics
    are.
        Ms. Osasu. Right. They might not be used to seeing, you
    know, a 75-year-old person doing something in their community
    in that way, and when they see that this person, wow, they
    still have a lot to offer, it's a different experience.
        The Chairman. Jon, do you have any stories of seniors that
    helped you turn something around?
        Mr. Taffer. Yes. You know, I'm going to throw another word
    into the mix if I can. I'm going to throw the word relevancy
    into the mix, because, you know, I find when I give a senior
    relevancy, whether it's training, relevancy, management
    relevancy, any type of responsibility that creates relevancy, a
    complete change in personality happens. That relevancy drives
    so much of their energy each day when they wake up.
        Imagine waking up in the morning and not having any
    relevancy to anyone. Nobody's expecting you to show up anywhere
    and nobody's expecting you to do anything.
        The Chairman. Nobody calls.
        Mr. Taffer. Working hard to provide that relevancy is a lot
    of what I do, so let's say it's a generational business and the
    son is taking over and the father is sort of retiring and he
    sort of lost his purpose, and the son has sort of lost his
    mentor, by creating relevancy for the father, I create
    engagement for the father, the learning opens up for the son,
    and that relevancy drives an awful lot if I focus on that one
    point.
        The Chairman. Well on behalf of Senator Gillibrand, I think
    this has been--you guys have all done a good job. I mean, we
    all know this is really important, and you know, as people age,
    we have to figure out how to keep them with purpose, and help
    them. There's a lot of good programs at the state level, at the
    local level, not-for-profits, and federal level and we have to
    make sure they're properly funded. You have anything else?
        Senator Gillibrand. No, thank you.
        The Chairman. I'd like to thank everyone for being here
    today and participating. Look forward to continuing to work
    with my colleagues to ensure every American senior has the
    opportunity they deserve to make their retirement years the
    best of their lives through continuing community involvement,
    mentorship, and lifelong education.
        If any senators have additional questions for the witnesses
    or statements to be added, the hearing and record will be open
    until next Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
        The Chairman. Thanks, everybody.
        [Whereupon, at 4:43 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
    ======================================================================

                                    APPENDIX

    =======================================================================

                          Prepared Witness Statements

    =======================================================================

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Prepared Witness Testimony

                                  John Taffer

        Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and members of
    the Committee-thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
    It's an honor to speak on a topic that's not only timely, but
    personal: aging with purpose.I started in hospitality in 1973
    as a bartender at Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood. Five
    years later, I was running the Troubadour nightclub-where
    legends took the stage and music history was made. By the
    1980s, I was operating my own bar, and since then, I've owned
    17 different hospitality businesses. These days, I'm perhaps
    best known as the executive producer and host of Bar Rescue.
    What I do on that show is really about one thing-helping people
    find their purpose again, often when they've lost all hope.
        I've been fortunate to work with hundreds of business
    owners on Bar Rescue, many of whom were hanging on by a thread-
    financially, emotionally, or both. What turns things around
    isn't just better finances or improved operations. It's when
    people reconnect with a sense of purpose-when they remember why
    they started, and who they're doing it for.
        That doesn't just apply to small business owners. It
    applies to all of us-especially as we age.I've seen firsthand
    the moment when a senior regains a sense of purpose. I change
    the lives of seniors often-whether it's through my show,
    mentorship programs, volunteer work, or even rejoining the
    workforce. When they see hope and feel accomplishment, they
    light up. Their energy, commitment, and attitude often rival
    employees half their age.
        So many people lose purpose in phases-first when their kids
    leave home, then later when they retire. Without the structure
    of a job, coworkers, or daily goals, they're left unanchored.
    We spend decades striving-raising families, building careers,
    solving problems-and suddenly, that drive doesn't have anywhere
    to go.
        When even a small sense of accomplishment or a chance to
    help someone re-enters their lives-when they become part of a
    team again or offer guidance to someone just starting out-it's
    powerful. It changes lives. And in some cases, it extends them.
        That's not just anecdotal. Research shows people who have a
    sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. Purpose improves
    mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life.
    And seniors are a massive, often overlooked, reservoir of
    knowledge, skill, and mentorship just waiting to be activated.
        In hospitality, for example, immigrant business owners
    account for approximately 40% of the industry. They're often
    self-taught, operating with passion but little formal business
    training. Imagine pairing those owners with retired
    professionals who spent their careers managing teams,
    overseeing logistics, or running companies. That's a win-win.
    The businesses get expert advice. The seniors get purpose,
    respect, and a chance to make an impact.
        I applaud the work already being done by the Small Business
    Administration and local Chambers of Commerce to support
    mentorship-but the demand far exceeds the supply. We need to
    make it easier and more rewarding for seniors to step back into
    these roles, even on a part-time or volunteer basis.
        The strength of this country isn't found in a boardroom.
    It's not even found here in the Senate. It's found in the 34
    million small businesses across America-and in the millions of
    experienced Americans who are ready to contribute, if only we
    give them the opportunity.
        Purpose is what gets us up in the morning. And everyone
    deserves to feel that purpose-whether you're 22 or 72.
        Helping others gives me purpose. Seeing dreams come back to
    life when people think all is lost is one of the most
    meaningful things I've done in my career. On TV, it may look
    like I have all the answers, but I'm still learning every day.
    What I do have is 40 years of hard-earned lessons. And I'm here
    today to share what I've learned: that age is not the end of
    value-it's the multiplier of it.
        Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Prepared Witness Testimony

                                Paul Broadie, MD

        Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and Members of
    the Committee:
        Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the critical
    role community colleges play in empowering older Americans to
    remain active, engaged, and economically secure. I am honored
    to speak on behalf of Santa Fe College and the more than 1,000
    community colleges serving over 10 million students nationwide-
    institutions that stand at the intersection of lifelong
    learning, workforce development, and community well-being.
        Santa Fe College has been continuously recognized for
    excellence, including:

          Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence as the
    Nation's #1 Community College;
          2025 Carnegie Foundation Classification, recognized for
    providing higher access and higher wages to students and
    graduates, with SF graduates earning 30% more than the regional
    average;
          #1 graduation rate for the Florida College System with
    an 85% student success rate;
          Best for Vets, with the college being named one of the
    best colleges for military and military spouses; and
          An economic impact of $413 million, supporting 4,866
    jobs locally.

        Thanks to the support from our community, state, and
    federal partners, we continue to build on that success while
    keeping college affordable.
        Community colleges are designed for expanding access to all
    learners across our communities and regions. They serve
    learners of every age, background, and stage of life. Today's
    hearing topic - Aging with Purpose: The Positive Impact of
    Seniors in Today's Economy- aligns directly with the mission of
    our institutions.
        From helping older students gain basic computer skills to
    participate in today's technological society, to breaking
    cycles of poverty by supporting parents and their school-aged
    children, to ensuing that everyone in our community, regardless
    of age, has the opportunity to interact and engage with each
    other, community colleges in general, and Santa Fe College in
    particular, is in a unique position to support older learners.

    I. Older Americans Are a Growing and Vital Part of the
    Community College Population

        Community colleges have become one of the nation's largest
    access points for older Americans seeking new skills, new
    opportunities, or a renewed sense of purpose. According to
    national data from the Association of Community College
    Trustees, more than 90,000 individuals aged 50 and older earned
    a degree or credential in the 2023-2024 academic year, a
    substantial share through community colleges.

        Older learners enroll because they are:

          Reentering the workforce
          Pivoting into new career fields
          Seeking rapid reskilling
          Remaining mentally active
          Engaging socially and civically
          Reskilling for a second career
          Pursuing lifelong passions

        Their participation strengthens the workforce and enriches
    classroom learning.
        At Santa Fe College-a reflection of national trends-462
    degree-seeking students were age 50 or older last year, with
    more than 1,200 over age 40. These students are enrolled in
    areas such as Health Services Administration, Nursing, and
    Programming & Analysis.
        The stories of our older graduates illustrate the deep
    value of community colleges as engines of lifelong opportunity.

          Judith, age 65, completed her associate degree after
    first enrolling four decades earlier.
          Carlos, age 81, graduated from our Phlebotomy
    certificate program, excelled during clinical rotations at UF
    Health, and continues to pursue additional credentials today.

        These individuals embody purpose, persistence, and the
    spirit of learning that fuels America's economy.
        Beyond our degree-seeking students, the Oak Hammock and
    Village at Gainesville retirement communities frequently engage
    with the college by taking classes, attending Fine Arts and
    other cultural events at the college, and serving as judges of
    student research process.

    II. Community Colleges Offer the Most Affordable and Accessible
    Pathway to Rapid Reskilling and Economic Mobility

        Older Americans often seek education that is affordable,
    flexible, and aligned with real employment opportunities.
    Community colleges deliver on all three.

    Affordability

        Community colleges remain the most cost-effective
    institutions in higher education. Many states - including
    Florida- allow residents aged 60 and older to audit courses at
    no cost, providing robust intellectual engagement without
    financial strain.

    Accessibility

        Community colleges are geographically embedded in nearly
    every community - urban, suburban, and rural - making education
    physically accessible to older adults.

    Workforce Relevance

        Community colleges collaborate directly with industry
    partners to offer short-term, employer-driven programs in high-
    demand fields such as healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing,
    and public service. For older Americans seeking rapid
    reskilling, these programs provide pathways to sustainable
    employment and economic stability.
        Additionally, at Santa Fe College, we have quick,
    stackable, credential courses to help enhance a student's
    existing skills. For example, we have physicians taking Biotech
    courses within our Emerging Tech programs to hone their skills.

    III. National Exemplars of Community College Innovation

        Across the country, community colleges design programs
    tailored to adults experiencing transitions, returning to the
    workforce, or supporting multigenerational households. Santa Fe
    College demonstrates two such models that illustrate how
    community colleges can transform lives on a national scale.

    The Displaced Homemaker Program: A Lifeline for Adults Re-
    Entering the Workforce

        For more than 50 years, Santa Fe College's Displaced
    Homemaker Program has provided critical support to individuals
    - often older adults - who must return to the workforce after
    the death of a spouse, divorce, or a major change in life
    circumstances. Many completers of the program have landed
    gainful employment opportunities as a result of the skills they
    learned.

        More than 4,500 individuals have benefited from:
          Career counseling
          Digital literacy training
          Job readiness and professionalism workshops
          Personalized financial literacy support
          Confidence building
          Job placement support

        Programs like this, mirrored in other states, demonstrate
    how community colleges help older adults overcome barriers,
    rebuild stability, and access high-demand careers.
    The ACB Excel Program: A National Award-Winning, Two-Generation
    Model for Economic Mobility
        Another nationally recognized example is Santa Fe College's
    ACB Excel Program, which takes a powerful, innovative approach
    to strengthening families and improving economic outcomes.
    Although rooted in our community, it represents the type of
    visionary model that can be scaled across the nation.
        ACB Excel empowers entire families by providing parents and
    their school-aged children with simultaneous access to academic
    programs, support services, and enrichment activities. This
    two-generation framework is free for all participants and has
    proven to be a catalyst for economic and social mobility. It
    also addresses the growing trend of grandparents raising their
    grandchildren and needing to reskill to enter the job market.

        Parents:

          Enroll in rapid credentialing programs that lead to
    high-wage, in-demand jobs
          Receive personal financial literacy education
          Work directly with academic and career success coaches
          Build connections to employer partners through job
    placement pipelines

        Children:

          Engage in hands-on STEM and literacy activities
          Participate in teamwork and resilience-building
    programming
          Receive social-emotional and academic support
          Experience a stable, enriching environment while parents
    pursue training

        The program fosters deep community impact through:

          Volunteer opportunities
          Mentorship and internship connections
          Employment pathways
          Cross-generational learning and engagement

        By strengthening both parent and child simultaneously, ACB
    Excel directly enhances economic stability, workforce
    participation, and long-term family well-being. It exemplifies
    the kind of community-integrated learning model that community
    colleges nationwide are uniquely positioned to deliver.

    IV. Lifelong Learning Supports Healthy Aging, Mental Well-
    Being, and Social Connection

        Community colleges also play an essential role in
    supporting older adults outside the traditional workforce.

        Nationwide, colleges offer:

          Noncredit lifelong learning courses
          Arts, humanities, and enrichment activities
          Health and wellness education
          Technology and digital literacy workshops
          Civic engagement opportunities

        Programs like Santa Fe College's Community Education
    program- where more than 65% of students are age 50 or older-
    provide critical social connection, intellectual stimulation,
    and community belonging. These are proven contributors to
    healthy aging and reduced social isolation.
        Community colleges further strengthen communities through
    intergenerational learning, where older adults serve as
    mentors, volunteers, research judges, and advisory board
    members.

    V. Supporting Older Military Veterans: A Critical Part of Our
    Mission

        Military veterans- many of whom return to education later
    in life - represent one of the most important older adult
    populations served by community colleges.
        According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute,
    nationwide 63% of veteran students were aged 30 or older\1\,
    and many face unique challenges including career transitions,
    disability accommodations, and the loss of military community.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ Postsecondary National Policy Institute, "Veterans in Higher
    Education: Fact Sheet," April 2025, https://pnpi.org/wp-content/
    uploads/2025/05/Veterans--FactSheet--Apr25.pdf
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Many colleges provide a veteran student support center on
    campus. Santa Fe College's Veterans & Military Success Services
    is a national model for how community colleges can support
    these learners. The program provides:

          Dedicated academic advising and transition support
          Assistance navigating VA educational benefits
          Mental health counseling and a supportive environment of
    peers
          Priority registration and textbook assistance
          Partnerships with local employers committed to hiring
    veterans
          Specialized career pathways for veterans entering fields
    such as public safety, logistics, nursing, and IT

        Santa Fe College is proud to have been named "Best for
    Vets", reflecting our commitment not only to active-duty and
    retired service members, but also to older veterans seeking
    meaningful second careers.
        Many of our older veteran students choose programs that
    build on their military experience - advanced manufacturing,
    first responder programs, logistics, cybersecurity - as well as
    others who pursue new callings in healthcare, social services,
    or business.
        Supporting veterans supports our workforce, strengthens
    families, and honors national service.

    VI. Policy Recommendations to Support Purposeful Aging Through
    Community Colleges

        To enhance the role community colleges play in
    strengthening the lives of older Americans, Congress may
    consider:

          Expanding federal support for short-term, stackable
    workforce credentials
          Supporting two-generation learning models that benefit
    entire families
          Investing in digital literacy initiatives for older
    adults
          Funding wraparound services that reduce barriers for
    older learners
          Supporting replication of programs like Displaced
    Homemaker and ACB Excel

        These investments strengthen not only older Americans, but
    our workforce, our communities, and our economy.

    Conclusion

        Older Americans bring wisdom, experience, dedication, and
    purpose to our campuses and our communities. Community
    colleges- accessible to all and responsive to local needs- are
    uniquely positioned to help them continue contributing to the
    nation's economic vitality and civic life.
        Through rapid workforce training, two-generation learning
    models, enrichment programs, and community-based partnerships,
    community colleges provide older Americans with the tools to
    remain engaged, productive, and connected. Programs like the
    Displaced Homemaker Program and the ACB Excel Program show what
    is possible when community colleges are empowered to innovate.
        Thank you for the opportunity to offer this testimony. I
    welcome your questions and look forward to working with the
    Committee to strengthen opportunities for older adults across
    our nation.

    ***SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SANTA FE COLLEGE ATTACHMENT***
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Prepared Witness Testimony

                                Rachel Greszler
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Prepared Witness Testimony

                                Christine Osasu

        Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and
    distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the
    opportunity to speak before you today. It is a privilege
    afforded to very few to address this esteemed body, and I do so
    with both deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility
    to the seniors in my community. The stories and struggles of
    our seniors deserve to be heard, and I am honored to share a
    few stories with you today.

    INTRODUCTION

        My name is Christine Osasu, and for the past ten years, I
    have dedicated my career to serving some of Georgia's most
    vulnerable populations-.rst as a loan originator with Habitat
    for Humanity, and for the last four years as the Director of
    the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at The
    Legacy Link, a nonprofit and designated Area Agency on Aging.
    Our mission is to empower aging adults and individuals with
    disabilities by connecting them to resources to be their link
    to a better life. Our SCSEP program serves 107 counties across
    Georgia as a proud subgrantee of the National Council on Aging
    (NCOA).
        Today, I'm here to share how training through the SCSEP
    program has transformed lives-empowering older adults to
    reenter the workforce, reclaim their confidence, affirm their
    value, and take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. I'm
    also here to share the devastating impact of the SCSEP funding
    pause-a crisis that left nearly 30,000 seniors across the
    country in limbo, without income, structure, or support\1\.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ U.S. Dep't of Labor, National Quarterly Progress Report (July
    7, 2025), https://cmp.dol.gov/suite/sites/dol.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        I am deeply grateful to Ranking Member Gillibrand for
    leading a group letter to the Labor Secretary regarding the
    SCSEP funding delay, and to Chairman Scott and Ranking Member
    Gillibrand for their bipartisan efforts to reintroduce the
    Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization.
        SCSEP, authorized under the OAA, is a federally funded job
    training program for low-income seniors aged 55 and older. It
    functions much like a paid internship for seniors. Participants
    receive hands-on training at nonprofit and government agencies,
    where they gain new skills. The host agencies benefit from
    having experienced dedicated workers-at no cost-who often
    become permanent employees. We serve those seniors who have the
    most signi.cant barriers to employment, and we have a proud
    history of pulling people out of homelessness and reducing
    reliance on public assistance programs.
        SCSEP has existed since 1965, and for good reason: it
    works. It is a lifeline for seniors who want to work, who need
    to work, and who still have so much to contribute.

    BARRIERS SENIORS FACE

        While working combats social isolation and improves mental
    and physical health, make no mistake-SCSEP participants are not
    working for enjoyment\2\. They are working to survive. To
    qualify for the program, seniors must have incomes at or below
    125% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately
    $1,600 per month for a single person. With the rising costs of
    food, housing, healthcare, and more, these limited-income
    seniors are struggling to pay for basic necessities. As people
    are living longer, they need more in savings to sustain them,
    and many have no savings at all, living paycheck to paycheck.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \2\ U.S. Dep't of Labor, PY 2020 Nationwide Participant Evaluation
    of SCSEP (Mar. 25, 2022), https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/.les/ETA/
    seniors/pdfs/PY2020%20Nationwide%20Participant%20Survey%20Report--
    3%2025%202022.pdf.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Seniors are strong and resilient-but they are also growing
    tired of being left behind by systems that are becoming more
    automated and less human.
        Seniors face real and persistent age discrimination in the
    workforce. They also face technological barriers that make even
    applying for a job feel insurmountable. "[They] find themselves
    beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists." -Eric
    Hoffer
        Imagine trying to navigate today's job market without an
    email address or basic computer skills. For many older adults,
    this is a reality. That's where SCSEP steps in-empowering
    seniors with the tools and training they need to navigate the
    digital world.
        Last year, Legacy Link launched a Digital Empowerment
    Program that provided participants with tablets and hands-on
    instruction in essential technology skills, from job searching
    to basic office software-opening new doors to employment and
    independence.

    IMPACT OF THE PAUSE

        Due to a delay in releasing FY25 funding by the Department
    of Labor to the national grantees, most SCSEP participants were
    placed on an unpaid break for four and a half months. This
    pause in SCSEP funding greatly harmed older adults who were
    already facing the most significant barriers to employment.
        The majority of SCSEP funds directly pay for participants'
    wages. For many, this pause meant missed meals, unstable
    housing, and growing uncertainty about the future, especially
    as they were not eligible to collect unemployment during the
    pause.
        In Georgia, the $7.25-per-hour SCSEP training wage may seem
    insignificant to some, but for someone surviving on less than
    $1,600 a month, this paid training is a lifeline. When training
    was paused-it wasn't just an inconvenience. It had life-
    threatening consequences for our seniors: homelessness, skipped
    medications, food rationing, and grandchildren going without
    school supplies.
        A heartbreaking story from North Georgia illustrates the
    devastating impact of the pause.

            A short while into the pause, an undeliverable letter
    led to an unexpected heartbreak. As usual, I called the
    participant to verify his address when the letter was returned.
    I anticipated a routine conversation-but his words stopped me
    in my tracks. When asked for his updated address he said, "Ms.
    Christine, I wish I could give you my updated address, but I
    don't have one. I couldn't pay for my housing, I've maxed out
    my time in the shelter, and now I'm living in a tent."

        Our seniors want to work-and many must work. Social
    Security alone is not enough to survive. When the SCSEP program
    is paused, the impact is immediate and devastating.

    COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

        Older adults want to work. When given the opportunity, they
    support themselves with dignity, reducing reliance on food
    stamps, subsidized housing, and public assistance.

            Ms. Plant, age 59, shared her story:

            "After losing my husband to COVID in 2020, I became
    homeless-bouncing between shelters and motels. SCSEP helped me
    stabilize my life. It allowed me to cover basic needs, pursue
    training in medical coding, and give back by serving meals at
    the soup kitchen. Without it, I'd be at risk of losing
    everything again."

        Healthy, engaged older adults are a vital asset to our
    economy. With the right tools and opportunities, they don't
    just participate, they lead, mentor, and multiply impact.
    Investing in seniors means investing in experience,
    reliability, and resilience. They are valuable, capable members
    of the workforce who enrich every organization they join.
        SCSEP delivers a strong return on investment by preparing
    seniors for meaningful employment-bene.ting not just
    individuals, but society as a whole. SCSEP is the key-to
    stronger businesses, reduced public spending, less social
    isolation, and a more inclusive, resilient workforce.
        Thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of our
    seniors. I urge you to remain diligent in the fight for a
    better world for older Americans-because we are all aging, and
    we deserve to age well.
    =======================================================================

                            Questions for the Record

    =======================================================================

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                            Questions for the Record

                                  John Taffer

                      Ranking Member Kirsten E. Gillibrand

        Question:

        Based upon your experience providing advice and guidance to
    older Americans who remain actively employed, have you found
    the Social Security special earnings limit rule to serve as an
    impediment to work and gainful activity?

        Response:

        I believe it is absolutely a deterrent. If someone has to
    go back to work, it is because their current benefits and
    income are not fully supporting them. Penalizing them for
    earning a living creates an unnecessary obstacle to keeping up
    with the cost of living and unfairly punishes their effort to
    stay productive. Going back to work at that stage of life
    should provide stability, dignity, and a better quality of
    life. Benefit reductions should never work against that."

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                            Questions for the Record

                                Paul Broadie, MD

                            Senator Raphael Warnock

        Question:

        More than one in three older adults live in rural Georgia,
    where they face disproportionate barriers in accessing skill
    development opportunities. On December 9, 2025, I co-led the
    introduction of the Pathways to Prosperity Act, which would
    improve the Department of Labor's Strengthening Community
    Colleges Grant Programs. This legislation would help community
    and technical colleges expand career pathways and strengthen
    partnerships with employers, so students can develop skills
    aligned with the needs of industries.
        How would promoting collaboration between community and
    technical colleges and employers improve job training
    opportunities for seniors in rural Georgia and support rural
    economic growth?

        Response:

        Community and technical colleges are deeply rooted in the
    communities and regions they serve. This makes these
    institutions uniquely positioned to partner with area employers
    to identify skills gaps and create the programming necessary to
    address industry needs today and into the future. At Santa Fe
    College, we know the most effective workforce solutions begin
    by listening to our local employers so we can provide career
    pathways in alignment with employers.
        By working together with industry, community and technical
    colleges can develop practical, targeted, and scalable programs
    that lead to relevant, in-demand jobs in our communities. These
    programs enable students of all ages to take advantage of
    relevant short term in demand training opportunities that
    provide avenues for upskilling, reskilling, and rapid entry
    into employment, and stackable credentials providing
    opportunities for upward mobility enabling continued education,
    training and professional growth while earning.
        For example, Santa Fe College launched an innovative, two-
    generational program - ACB Excel. The program, Achieve,
    Conquer, Believe, provides short-term training programs for
    unemployed or underemployed individuals raising their children
    or grandchildren. These programs are designed in partnership
    with employers based on employer needs and area demands. While
    they are receiving the training, their school-aged children are
    receiving STEM-focused academic enrichment. Now in its fourth
    year, this program has a 100% job placement rate, with many
    participants also choosing to continue their education to
    further expand employment opportunities.
        Utilizing employer-driven pathways creates real
    opportunities for students, particularly in rural communities
    where industry partners may be limited and industry training
    needs tend to be more specific. Programs that support flexible
    schedules, employ apprenticeship, and "earn while you learn"
    models are successful, and make training opportunities more
    accessible, especially for adults who may be balancing
    caregiving, and other barriers that may impede access to
    training and ultimately impact their entry or reentry into the
    workforce or ability to earn a livable wage.
        Legislation like the Pathways to Prosperity Act allow
    community and technical colleges like Santa Fe College to
    expand these partnerships, scale proven models, and respond
    even more effectively to regional workforce needs.
    Additionally, supporting and funding apprenticeship programs
    would encourage more employers to partner with colleges to
    develop a skilled workforce. These partnerships support career
    coaching, skills refreshers, and on-the-job training, which are
    critical for helping older workers transition into new roles.
    With the right support, we can continue building clear,
    flexible pathways connecting people to opportunity and ensuring
    communities have the skilled workforce needed to thrive.
    Investments that support the growth of a talented workforce
    have a direct positive economic impact on the community and aid
    in the recruitment, retention and growth of business and
    industry in the region, rural or otherwise.

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                            Questions for the Record

                                Rachel Greszler

                      Ranking Member Kirsten E. Gillibrand

        Question:

        As your written testimony highlights, existing statutory
    and regulatory requirements can at times serve as barriers for
    the employment of older Americans. In your view, what should
    policymakers be aware of when considering potential updates to
    the Social Security special earnings limit rule, including from
    both policy and administrative perspectives?

        Response:

        Social Security's retirement earnings test creates a
    significant administrative burden for the Social Security
    Administration (SSA) and causes widespread confusion and
    behavioral changes for older Americans who are subject to the
    earnings test.
        SSA administers benefits to approximately five million
    beneficiaries who receive early retirement benefits and thus
    could be subject to the retirement earnings test if they earn
    more than $24,480 per year in 2026. The test requires SSA to
    track the earnings of all individuals who receive early
    retirement benefits, and reduce benefits by $1 for every $2 in
    earnings over the $24,480 threshold.
        In recent years, over 500,000 Social Security recipients
    have had their benefits reduced or eliminated as a result of
    the earnings test. Applying the test requires SSA to
    continually monitor and estimate earnings and, when applicable,
    to reduce monthly Social Security payments that would otherwise
    remain consistent aside from annual cost-of-living adjustments.
        Most Social Security recipients do not understand the
    retirement earnings test. When their benefits are reduced, they
    often do not know why and they subsequently seek information
    either via phone calls or in-office visits to the SSA.
    According to a February 2024 letter from the SSA's Office of
    the Inspector General, "In FY 2021, SSA spent approximately $70
    million in administrative costs to enforce the earnings test."
        Since application of the earnings test typically requires
    the SSA to estimate earnings, it inevitably results in
    inaccurate payments including both overpayments and excessive
    benefit reductions. According to the same 2024 letter, the
    SSA's OIG estimated that "SSA:

          inaccurately calculated approximately 47,000 of the
    294,000 earnings-test overpayments established in FY 2021,
    totaling more than $148 million;
          inaccurately paid approximately 9,000 beneficiaries
    approximately $29 million based on estimated earnings that were
    more or less than their actual earnings; and
          did not timely pay approximately 176,000 beneficiaries
    approximately $81 million in monthly benefit increases., the
    SSA issued 294,000 earnings-test overpayments."

        These inaccurate payments cause further administrative
    costs for the SSA and further confusion and financial
    uncertainty for Social Security beneficiaries.
        In addition to administrative costs and improper payments,
    the retirement earnings test discourages work. As a widely
    misunderstood test that is perceived as an additional 50
    percent tax on certain earnings, many beneficiaries who are
    subject to the test reduce their earnings to avoid benefit
    reductions.
        Per your specific question on the policy and administrative
    considerations that policymakers should be aware of when
    considering an update to the earnings test:

          The retirement earnings test generates no net revenue
    for the Social Security programs. Multiple government sources
    have estimated that eliminating the earnings test would
    slightly improve Social Security's solvency.
          Eliminating the retirement earnings test entirely would
    be the most effective reform. Fully eliminating the test would
    largely eliminate associated administrative costs as well as
    all confusion caused by the test and all negative impacts on
    work and earnings.
              	Raising the earnings threshold would deliver
    significant efficiencies, but it would still require the SSA to
    monitor and estimate all earnings of people under the normal
    retirement age, and to apply the test to a smaller number of
    recipients. Moreover, while a higher earnings test could
    significantly reduce the number of individuals subject to it,
    and thus the test's work disincentives, it would still cause
    confusion and reduced work for a smaller number of
    beneficiaries.
          Eliminating the retirement earnings test would require
    special treatment for current beneficiaries between the ages of
    62 and 66 who have been subject to the test in the past. In
    addition to immediately ceasing application of the test, the
    SSA would need to decide whether to apply the test's benefit
    adjustment at those individuals' normal retirement ages (as
    currently done), or to apply the adjustments immediately. This
    would not represent a new administrative function as the SSA
    already calculates this benefit adjustment.
          Eliminating the retirement earnings test could have
    spillover benefits for the administrative costs and the payment
    integrity associated with other government benefit programs,
    including but not limited to: Medicaid, ACA subsidies, Medicare
    savings programs and low-income subsidies, heating assistance,
    and food stamps (SNAP). Stabilizing Social Security benefit
    payments would improve income measurement for these programs,
    improving eligibility determinations and payment accuracy.
          I estimate that eliminating the retirement earnings test
    would: increase the labor force by a range of 166,000 to 1.035
    million; Increase older Americans' annual earnings by $10.5
    billion to $65.9 billion per year; boost annual Social Security
    revenues by $1.3 billion to $8.2 billion per year, and;
    increase total annual tax revenues by $2.9 billion to $18
    billion.
          The United States' current demographic, fiscal, and
    cultural challenges could all be improved by an increase in
    older Americans' continued workforce participation.

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                            Questions for the Record

                                Christine Osasu

                            Senator Raphael Warnock

        Question:

        On July 1, 2025, the Department of Labor halted Fiscal Year
    2025 funding for the Senior Community Service Employment
    Programs (SCSEP), leaving more than 1,000 low-income seniors in
    Georgia without stable income to afford rent, groceries, and
    life-saving medications for over four months. President Trump
    also proposed to eliminate SCSEP and replace the program with
    state block grants for Fiscal Year 2026.
        How would the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
    enhance the long-term stability of SCSEP?

        Response:

        The Older Americans Act is foundational legislation that
    affirms our national commitment to older adults. It tells
    seniors that we value their contributions, we care about their
    well-being, and we intend to uphold the promise that every
    person deserves life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
        The OAA is the statutory backbone of the Senior Community
    Service Employment Program. SCSEP does not exist in isolation-
    it is part of a broader ecosystem of services authorized and
    supported through the OAA. Reauthorization strengthens that
    entire infrastructure. It provides continuity, predictability,
    and the long-term stability needed for programs like SCSEP to
    operate effectively and plan for the future.
        When Congress reauthorizes the OAA, it sends a clear and
    unmistakable message to older Americans: you still matter, and
    we remain committed to investing in your ability to live with
    dignity, purpose, and economic security.
        For SCSEP in particular, reauthorization provides the
    stability needed to continue connecting low-income older adults
    with job training, community service roles, and meaningful
    pathways back into the workforce. It preserves their connection
    to community. It preserves their sense of purpose. For many
    participants, it quite literally ensures they have a reason to
    get up and get dressed in the morning-a structure, a
    contribution, and a place where they are valued.
        In short, reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is a
    reaffirmation of our commitment to seniors and a critical
    safeguard for the long-term stability of SCSEP and the many
    lives it touches.

        Question:

        What would happen to Georgia seniors if SCSEP were
    eliminated?

        Response:

        Prior to the funding pause, approximately 900 Georgia
    seniors were participating in SCSEP job training.
    Unfortunately, the 4.5 month pause gave us a painful preview of
    what happens when this lifeline is disrupted. That experience
    informs my answer today.
        Eliminating SCSEP would send a devastating message to older
    Georgians-that they do not matter. Our budget decisions reflect
    our values, and when we withdraw support from programs like
    SCSEP, we are signaling who we believe is worthy of investment.
        Many of these seniors already feel hopeless, isolated, and
    left behind. For countless participants, SCSEP was the first
    "yes" they had heard from the workforce in years. It restored
    dignity, purpose, and the belief that they still had something
    to contribute. Ending the program would undo that progress and
    leave them feeling discarded once again.
        The consequences would be severe. Some seniors would face
    homelessness. Others would be forced to ration medication. Food
    insecurity-already a daily reality for many-would worsen.
    Grandchildren who rely on their grandparents' modest support
    would go without basic supplies. And for too many, the loss of
    SCSEP would trigger profound depression and even suicidal
    ideation, as their last connection to community and purpose is
    severed.
        Programs like SCSEP are not luxuries. They are essential
    investments in vulnerable older adults and in the well being of
    our communities. When funding is disrupted, the cost is
    measured in human suffering. And once that damage occurs, there
    are no quick or easy fixes.
    =======================================================================

                           Statements for the Record

    =======================================================================

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Statements for the Record

                                 AARP Statement
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Statements for the Record

                      Lauren S. Marinaro, Esq., Statement
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Statements for the Record

                 National Academy of Elder Attorneys Statement
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

    "Aging With Purpose: The Positive Impact Of Seniors In Today's Economy"

                               December 10, 2025

                           Statements for the Record

                       Ryann M. Siclari, Esq., Statement
    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

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