This week, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Bryan Steil (R-WI) introduced H.R. 1812, the Care Across Generations Act. This legislation would provide grants for long-term care communities to establish on-site childcare centers or to partner with nearby childcare centers to promote intergenerational connection between seniors and children. These settings provide health and well-being benefits, address the epidemic of loneliness, and also provide on-site childcare opportunities for senior living workers with childcare needs.
The legislation is a reintroduction of H.R. 6835 introduced in 2023, of which Argentum worked directly with the Congressional offices to draft the legislative language.
Research shows that intergenerational activities increase the health and well-being of both young and older participants, reduce social isolation, and create cost efficiencies. The concept is also popular—92% of Americans believe intergenerational activities can reduce loneliness across all ages and 85% would prefer care settings that foster intergenerational connections.
Intergenerational connections are critical to combat the “epidemic of loneliness” as described by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The National Institute on Aging estimates that the adverse health effects of loneliness equal that of smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and the National Academy of Sciences found that social isolation contributed to a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 59% increased risk of functional decline.
A significant portion of the senior living workforce are parents with childcare needs; on-site childcare services would help to support these workers.
Argentum commends Representatives Strickland and Steil for their continued support of the Care Across Generations Act and looks forward to increasing support during next week's Public Policy Institute.
