Monday, May 19, 2025
As we celebrate Older Americans Month 2025, one message rings loud and clear across our communities: The time to advocate for aging services is now.
In May, we brought that urgency to life at our Advocacy Breakfast Collaborative (ABC), where over 200 participants—including 15 legislators and staffers—gathered across three events, including one virtual session, to raise their voices in support of aging services.
Under the theme “Stronger Together: Advocating for Aging Services,” the ABC united older adults, caregivers, local leaders, and our valued funded partners and speakers. We’re also deeply grateful to AARP Illinois for their continued partnership and leadership in this work.
Why Advocacy Matters Now
Across every event, one truth echoed again and again: older adults in our region depend on the Older Americans Act (OAA). It provides the meals, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home services that keep people healthy, independent, and connected to their communities.
But those very services are under threat.
Federal proposals would dismantle the agency that oversees the OAA, redistribute its programs, and severely reduce its funding—putting at risk the very system that has served older adults for 60 years. If enacted, these changes would be deeply disruptive, unraveling decades of coordination and innovation in how we care for older adults.
We cannot let that happen silently.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
During our events, we heard from caregivers and older adults who brought the human side of this issue into focus. We heard stories of strengthened communities through aging services supporting connections and well-being.
These stories make it clear: aging services save lives.
And they’re only possible because of a strong, well-funded Older Americans Act.
Keep the Momentum Going: Advocacy Day – May 28
On Wednesday, May 28, we’re taking our message statewide for Advocacy Day for the Older Americans Act.
This coordinated, statewide effort will rally older adults, caregivers, professionals, and community advocates under one banner:
“Don’t Blow Out the Candles—Protect the OAA!”
As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, we’re urging lawmakers to protect the programs that help older adults live with dignity and independence. Events will take place across the region, and your voice is essential.
Please consider attending one of the following events on May 28th.
If you can’t attend an event in person, you can still participate in advocacy—make your voice heard by sending a letter to your legislators through our Action Alert. It only takes a moment, but your advocacy can make a lasting impact.
Let’s keep the momentum going—speak up to save the Older Americans Act.
