45th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act

July 14th marks the 45th anniversary of when President Johnson signed the Older Americans Act (OAA) into law in 1965. "The Older Americans Act has quietly but effectively provided nutrition and community support for millions. It has also protected the rights of seniors, and in many cases, has been the key to independence," said Assistant Secretary of Aging, Kathy Greenlee, in a press release commemorating the anniversary of the OAA.

The Older Americans Act authorizes the foundational programs that the 56 officially designated state and territorial agencies on aging administer. In 2011, the OAA will need to be reauthorized by Congress, NASUAD's members are working hard to prepare their final recommendations for the reauthorization of the OAA. Visit NASUA's "Aging Policy," page to learn more.

In addition, NASUAD and its members have advocated strongly for a 12 percent increase in the OAA funding for the FY2011 budget. This additional funding would help address the stagnant funding the Act has received, and also, provide states with more resources to deal with the increasing need for home and community based services and supports.