Wednesday, March 13, 2024
The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorization will expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2024. AgeGuide, along with the other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country, will work with policymakers and stakeholders to update this vital Act, which supports millions of older adults and caregivers annually. The reauthorization needs to guarantee the Aging Network’s ability to create a wide range of programs and services to support older adults’ health, well-being, and ability to age well at home and in the community. We urge Congressional leaders to support the reauthorization to ensure older adults age with independence and dignity.
On March 7, 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions came together, with other major stakeholders in the aging network, to discuss and stress the importance of reauthorizing the OAA. Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, expressed,
Reauthorization of the OAA provides a critical opportunity to strengthen and revitalize its many important provisions. Previous bipartisan reauthorization efforts have created innovative new programs that have significantly improved the lives of older adults, their caregivers, and the Aging Network.
A reauthorization allows for modernizing the current needs of Older Americans. In addition, increased funding would address the demand for OAA services which is growing due to the older adult population increasing in numbers and diversity. OAA funding has not kept pace with the need for services, population growth, or inflation. As Ms. Alwin stated, “This financial reality has made it increasingly difficult for the Aging Network to maintain existing services, let alone expand.”
Help us tell Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act because these valuable local programs provide older adults with in-home services, meals, transportation, caregiver support, health and wellness programs, and other essential services that help them maintain their health and independence. It takes one minute to send a letter to your Congressional leader through AgeGuide’s action alert.
Other OAA Reauthorization Resources:
