When we were younger, we worked hard and paid our taxes with the understanding that we were supporting essential government programs. Now that we are older and may need more direct assistance—particularly with healthcare—it feels like a betrayal to be ignored, dismissed, or forced to live near the poverty line. We’re not asking for extravagance—just the dignity of a decent life where we don’t have to choose between food or medicine each month.

Older adults are vital to the health and strength of our communities. When we are mentally, physically, and socially active, we stay healthier and reduce the need for expensive medical care. But even more importantly, we give back—constantly. And this is the point that must be heard loud and clear by every member of the administration and Congress: WE VOLUNTEER.

We tutor students, stock shelves at food banks, care for the sick and unhoused, support churches and community programs, and provide the backbone for countless organizations that rely on us to stay open and serve others. Cutting funding for older adult programs is not just short-sighted—it is a waste of valuable human resources and compassion. Lawmakers seem to have forgotten what it means to meet basic human needs. They should start by talking to their own constituents and learning how much we contribute.

In my state alone, our retired teachers association tracks our volunteer hours—and they number in the millions. Assign even a modest hourly wage to that, and the value becomes staggering. But the true worth—the human kindness behind those hours—can’t be measured in dollars.

We vote. And we are watching. We see when sweeping cuts are made with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel—and we won’t forget. — Sandy Schneider, Oasis participant

Debbie, Oasis Tutor:

“I volunteer at our county’s nutritional center, which is partially funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA). We serve around 175 meals each day—105 of which are delivered to homebound seniors. This service is essential. It allows many older adults to remain in their own homes rather than being forced into nursing facilities—facilities that, frankly, don’t have enough space to accommodate them all.

For many of these homebound individuals, the person delivering their meal is the only human contact they’ll have all day. Without continued OAA funding, it will be incredibly difficult to keep this operation running. Right now, meals are provided with a suggested donation, not a required fee. But a significant portion—about 25% of those we serve—live at or below the poverty line.

Most members of Congress have no concept of the financial hardship our seniors face. Many are trying to survive on $1,200 a month or less. I’d love to see our elected officials try living on that for even one year.”
— Deb, Oasis participant

Susan, Oasis Participant:

“The massive, thoughtless cuts of people and funding terrify me on many fronts. I need Social Security and Medicare to survive financially, and Medicaid is my only safety net if I can no longer live independently due to health issues. This is a realistic concern, given my age and current health conditions. From a quality of life perspective, my participation in Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring has been extremely valuable, giving me purpose and social interaction and making me feel part of the community. I have been a part of the program for 8 years and would be so sad if funding was cut and the program discontinued. Think before you simply do what Trump demands. We older adults have contributed all our working lives, paying taxes and social security. That would ensure we would have some sense of financial stability and respect. Most of us don’t have wealthy children to take care of us. Think about your parents and grandparents before you slash services and budgets. And remember, you will be an older adult one day. What might you need then that you are looking to discontinue today?”— Susan, Oasis participant