Monday, September 14, 2026
The Older Americans Act (OAA) has been a cornerstone of aging services in the United States for more than 60 years. Through the OAA, communities across the country are able to provide services that help older adults remain independent and connected, from home-delivered meals and transportation to caregiver support, health promotion and other essential programs.
Today, the OAA is at an important point in its history. The law has been due for reauthorization since 2024, meaning Congress has an opportunity to review the Act and modernize it to better reflect the needs of older adults and family caregivers today.
There has been progress. The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act, S. 2120, moving the reauthorization process forward. Attention now turns to completing the process in Congress and getting an updated OAA signed into law.
The contents of Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act, S. 2120 include:
- Strengthens and modernizes the Aging Network to better meet the needs of older adults.
- Expands support for nutrition, health promotion, and disease and falls prevention programs.
- Strengthens resources for family caregivers and efforts to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation.
- Improves access and coordination for underserved older adults
Why Does Reauthorization Matter?
Reauthorization is different from the annual federal funding process. While Congress determines funding for OAA programs each year, reauthorization looks at the law itself, including the priorities, policies and framework that guide aging services nationwide.
That makes reauthorization an important opportunity to prepare the Aging Network for the future. Communities are serving a growing and changing older population, while also responding to challenges such as caregiver needs, social isolation, access to nutrition and transportation, and the ability to age independently at home.
For Area Agencies on Aging and community organizations, an updated OAA can help ensure the law continues to reflect what older adults and caregivers need from the services designed to support them.
The Work Isn’t Finished Yet
AgeGuide is continuing to advocate for bipartisan reauthorization and encouraging community members to make their voices heard.
Want to help move the OAA forward? Tell your members of Congress why reauthorization matters to you and your community through our Action Alert.
