Advocacy and Legislation Through a Nursing Lens: Lessons for Gerontological Nursing From the Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program

PURPOSE: The growing older adult population has increased the importance of policies that shape health care delivery, long-term services and supports, caregiving, and community-based aging services. Nurses are uniquely positioned to inform these policies through their understanding of older adults' experiences across health care and community settings. Despite this expertise, nursing perspectives remain underrepresented in policy development. METHOD: Nurse participants in the 2025-2026 cohort of the Health and Aging Policy Fellows (HAPF) Program describe how nursing knowledge contributes to health and aging policy across legislative, executive, federal, nonprofit, and international settings. RESULTS: Common themes emerged across our fellowship experiences, including the importance of translating clinical experience into policy action, building interdisciplinary partnerships, promoting person-centered approaches to aging, and strengthening nurse leadership in policy environments. CONCLUSION: These experiences reinforced that policy is a powerful mechanism for improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults. Expanding opportunities for nurses to engage in policymaking is essential to advancing equitable systems of care and supporting healthy aging.