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NewsTimes of San DiegoJuly 29, 2026San Diego

The Role of Senior Centers and the Older Americans Act in San Diego

This article highlights the importance of social engagement and nutrition services provided by Serving Seniors in San Diego. It also advocates for the federal reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which provides essential funding for these programs.

seniorssocial servicesOlder Americans Actpublic healthfederal funding
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

The federal Older Americans Act is currently awaiting in the House of Representatives, which determines the continued availability of federal funding for local senior services and nutrition programs.

Key Facts

  • The Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization on July 14, 2025.
  • The House of Representatives must reauthorize the OAA for it to become law in 2026.
  • Every $1 of federal OAA funding generates $4 in non-federal support.
  • Serving Seniors provides meals seven days a week at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center.
  • Serving Seniors provides meals five days a week at the Judith L. Seltz Senior Wellness Center.
  • Serving Seniors operates seven additional congregate dining sites across San Diego County.
  • Serving Seniors offered 1,965 individual activities in the last 12 months.
  • The OAA funds the only federal job program for low-income older adults and the only federal program for family caregivers.
  • Approximately 37% of older US adults between 50 and 80 years old reported experiencing loneliness in 2023.
  • Serving Seniors centers are open to all individuals age 60 and older.

Who's Mentioned

personSara Jacobs“Congressional representative for San Diego.”locationJudith L. Seltz Senior Wellness Center“New senior center located in Clairemont.”personAdam Schiff“California Senator who voted in favor of the OAA reauthorization.”personTim Walberg“Education and Workforce Committee Chairman (R-Mich.).”personJuan Vargas“Congressional representative for San Diego.”personMelinda Forstey“President and CEO of Serving Seniors.”personAlex Padilla“California Senator who voted in favor of the OAA reauthorization.”organizationServing Seniors“Non-profit organization providing services to low-income and homeless older adul”locationGary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center“Flagship senior center located downtown.”personScott Peters“Congressional representative for San Diego.”personMike Levin“Congressional representative for San Diego.”personBobby Scott“Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Committee (D-Va.).”