Getting to Know the Older Americans Act
For 60 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has connected older adults and their caregivers to services that help older adults age with health, dignity and independence in their homes and communities—where they want to be! With the rapid growth of America’s aging population, one in five Americans are projected to be 65 or older by 2030. It is essential that Congress make wise investments in the OAA that serves every community in the country.
Why is the OAA Important?
The OAA enables aging well at home and in the community—where people want to be.
The OAA enables the local delivery of services and supports that can help older adults be better able to age where they want—in their homes and communities. Examples include in-home help, meals, transportation, social engagement, health and wellness activities, home modification, job training and many other services that keep older adults healthy and independent.
The OAA prevents the need for more expensive long- term care or avoidable health care costs.
Services provided at home and in the community are almost always less expensive than institutional care provided in nursing homes or assisted living. The longer older adults can successfully age at home, the better it is financially for families and the federal government. OAA programs and services also support healthy aging and address the social determinants of health, further saving Medicare and Medicaid dollars.
The OAA supports family caregivers.
Family caregivers are the backbone of the nation’s long-term services and supports system. The OAA provides vital supports to caregivers to bolster their ability to continue caring for their loved ones.
The OAA reflects community needs.
OAA services are delivered through a nationwide network of community-based agencies and service providers that know and can best meet the needs of older adults and caregivers in their communities through a range of programs and services. While the services are generally available to everyone aged 60 and older, they are targeted to those most in need of support to age well at home.
The OAA protects vulnerable older adults.
The Act’s services also help to identify and prevent the abuse and neglect of older Americans, as well as protect the rights of nursing home residents through an ombudsman program.
What is Available Through the OAA?
The OAA funds a wide range of aging services across six core areas– nutrition, caregivers, health & wellness, elder rights, supportive services, and job training– with state and local flexibility built into the Act to reflect the needs of that area’s older adults and caregivers.
This 60th Anniversary Celebration of the OAA document is brought to you by USAging,
ADvancing States, Meals on Wheels America, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging
Services Programs, and the National Council on Aging. Download a printable flyer.