Chairman Rick Scott, chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, said the committee will prioritize measures to improve older Americans’ “physical health, financial security, a safe community to live in, and family and community support.”

Scott said, "My goal for this committee is to make sure every American senior is able to answer yes to this question, to these questions. Are you well? Because they have secured these 4 things." He described aging as a nonpartisan issue and said he intends to work across the aisle with Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand of New York framed several policy priorities the committee will pursue, including lowering prescription drug costs, guarding against financial scams, and protecting programs older adults rely on such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. "I believe that our job is to make sure these resources exist and are robust enough to support those who need them," Gillibrand said.

Both leaders said they expect testimony and work to cover wellness broadly, including accessible housing, nutrition supports, area agencies on aging, centers for independent living, and community-based health promotion. Scott emphasized bipartisan cooperation; Gillibrand highlighted continuing oversight of program funding and consumer protections.

The committee then received testimony from invited witnesses representing local law enforcement, nonprofit advocacy, public health research centers and university gerontology programs. Members signaled interest in hearings and legislation related to drug coverage and fraud prevention, plus expansion of evidence‑based wellness programs.

Forward-looking: the chair said the committee will convene further hearings and invited members to submit additional questions and statements to be added to the hearing record.