Ageing is not simply the process of growing older. It is shaped by health, independence, relationships, financial security, and support systems. To age with dignity means to live later years with respect, purpose, safety, and connection. This question is becoming urgent as by 2030, one in five people will be 65 or older.
To reflect on this reality, Sewa USA hosted a Policy Café on "Ageing with Dignity in America: Community Care, Social Connection, and Healthy Longevity" on 20th May, 2026. The discussion brought together experts from healthcare, academia, advocacy, and community-based work to examine: what does it take to help older adults age with dignity?
The conversation began with nutrition asa key parameter for healthy ageing. As populations age and chronic conditions increase, access to nutritious food has become critical. Robert Blancato, a nationally respected leader in ageing, nutrition, and elder justice advocacy, emphasized that nutrition remains one of the most urgent issues facing older adults. He highlighted inadequate protein intake, dehydration, malnutrition, and the impact of multiple medications on appetite and health.
His remarks underscored that nutrition influences independence, chronic disease prevention, fall prevention, quality of life, and healthcare costs. He also emphasized "food as medicine," especially when nutrition is customized to prevent and manage chronic disease. For older adults, this can reduce hospital visits, lower costs, and support physical and cognitive health.
Healthy ageing, however, extends beyond physical health. Older adults also need dignity, security, and support in daily life. This emerged strongly in the discussion on elder abuse and neglect. Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Professor of Family Medicine and Geriatrics at the University of Southern California, discussed this through her research on elder abuse and neglect. She noted that most elder abuse occurs not in institutions, but within communities and families.
Her insight shifted the focus from blame to prevention. Abuse or neglect may arise from caregiver stress, lack of understanding, or confusion around dementia. Dr. Mosqueda reminded the audience that dementia-related behaviors should not be seen only as problems to control, but as expressions of suffering. This calls for caregiver education, frontline training, and community support.
Dorothea Vafiadis of the National Council on Ageing brought a whole-person healthy ageing lens to the discussion. She emphasized that older adults often face interconnected challenges: food insecurity, rising costs, limited mobility, chronic pain, isolation, and difficulty maintaining healthy routines. For seniors on fixed incomes, decisions can become choices between food, rent, and medication.
The discussion further emphasized that well-being in later life is shaped by medical care and social support systems. Experts highlighted community-based and peer-led wellness programs that help older adults manage pain, remain active, make healthier choices, and build confidence. These initiatives create spaces where seniors feel seen and connected.
Elena Portacolone, Professor of Sociology at UC San Francisco, drew attention to older adults living alone, particularly those experiencing cognitive impairment. She noted that many ageing policies assume a family caregiver, even though more seniors now manage dementia, chronic illnesses, and medication routines on their own. For them, even one hour of reliable daily support can improve safety, well-being, and quality of life.
Together, these insights revealeda gap in ageing policy. As family structures evolve, support systems must adapt. Volunteer networks and community initiatives play a critical role, but they work best when complemented by stable, professional, person-centred services that meet complex and long-term needs.
The discussion concluded with a shared message: ageing with dignity is not only a policy challenge. It is a collective social responsibility. For Sewa USA, this Policy Café was both a reflection anda call to action. A society that honors its elders must protect dignity, strengthen connection, and ensure every older adult has support to age with purpose and belonging.
Dipshikha Dhar,
Program Executive at India House and part of the Policy Research team at Sewa USA.
Her work focuses on policy research, program support, and developing knowledge-led initiatives for social impact.
