Older Americans Act Turns 60; Groups Call for More Funding
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ADvancing States, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Meals on Wheels America and USAging are joining together today to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) — a landmark law that has connected older adults to vital services that help them age with health and dignity in their own homes and communities for six decades.
To commemorate the occasion, the five organizations are issuing a unified call to action, urging Congress to protect and increase funding for OAA programs that provide essential services to millions of older Americans nationwide. Passed in 1965, the OAA established a foundation for delivering comprehensive services to older adults through a nationwide aging network. To this day, it continues to fund critical programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), providing access to in-home care, transportation, healthy aging activities in senior centers, nutritious meals, help connecting to other services, job training, caregiver supports and more.
The organizations are also calling on their supporters to participate in the coordinated day of action today by contacting their members of Congress and urging them to protect and increase OAA funding. This unified effort aims to ensure the OAA and its vital programs remain strong and effective for the next 60 years and beyond.
“As we celebrate this milestone and all we’ve accomplished with the support of the OAA over the course of 60 years, it’s important we recognize that continued progress requires continued support,” said leaders from the five organizations in a joint statement. “Most critically, federal funding for OAA programs must increase in order to reach all older adults in need.”
Continued investment in the OAA is especially important given the upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits made by H.R.1. This will increase hardship among vulnerable older adults and, in turn, lead to more strain placed on OAA-funded programs that are already stretched thin. A significant increase in OAA funding is critical to ensure that the national aging network can continue to support those in need and meet this rising demand.
The OAA and the health, well-being and independence of older adults remain non-partisan issues. All five organizations are committed to working with the Administration and Congress to advance policies that will ensure no senior in America is left behind and are calling on America to amplify a call for increased funding.
SOURCE Meals on Wheels America
