The Older Americans Act Is Up for Renewal: Why That Matters

By Lee Pruitt

Since its enactment in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has guided the priorities and operations of key programs and services for the benefit of older adults across the United States. The OAA's primary objective is to promote the well-being, dignity, and independence of older Americans. By providing billions of dollars in funding for essential services, the OAA helps seniors live in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

The OAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, currently awaiting legislative action, has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by seniors in our communities and the resources needed to support them.

History of the Older Americans Act

The OAA created a nationwide aging network, including Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and local service providers, to deliver vital services to senior Americans. These services include transportation, caregiver support, nutrition programs, legal assistance, and health promotion and disease prevention. The goal of these services is to reduce the need for institutional care by helping older adults stay active and engaged in their communities.

The OAA has been reauthorized multiple times since its inception, with each reauthorization reflecting evolving needs, priorities, and demographic changes. Its most recent renewal was in 2020, with the last substantial update taking place in 1988. Reauthorizations typically update funding levels, introduce new programs, and refine existing ones to better serve older adults.

Key Provisions of the 2024 Reauthorization

Now approaching its 60th anniversary, the OAA introduces in its 2024 reauthorization several significant updates aimed at addressing current challenges and future demands of the nation’s seniors. Among other changes, the final rule:

• Clarifies requirements for state and local plans on aging
• Clarifies requirements for coordination among state, local, and tribal programs
• Improves consistency of definitions and operations between state and tribal OAA programs
• Specifies the broad range of individuals who can receive services and how funds can be used
• Clarifies required state and local agency policies and procedures, such as expectations regarding conflicts of interest
• Addresses emergency preparedness and response, based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Establishes expectations for legal assistance and activities to prevent elder abuse
• Updates definitions, modernizes requirements, and clarifies flexibilities within the senior nutrition programs, such as allowing for continuation of innovations used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including some carry-out meals that are provided under the congregate meals program

The Importance of the 2024 Reauthorization

The 2024 reauthorization of the OAA comes at an important time. The aging population in the U.S. continues to grow. According to the National Council on Aging, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to reach about 78 million by 2040.

This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities. Older adults contribute significantly to their communities as volunteers, caregivers, and mentors. At the same time, however, as this age group grows, so does the need for services that support their health, independence, and quality of life.

The 2024 OAA reauthorization reflects a holistic approach to aging, recognizing that older adults need more than just health care to thrive. By addressing social, economic, and health-related factors, the OAA aims to create a society where older adults can age with dignity and security. Additionally, the emphasis on caregiver support and equitable service delivery ensures that communities are better equipped to provide the necessary care and assistance.

Lawmakers have yet to agree on a year-end omnibus package – and failing to finalize the OAA bill as part of that may have negative repercussions for funding that helps support various OAA-sponsored programs for seniors. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the OAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 would allot about $15 billion for these programs from 2025 to 2029.

Learn More About the OAA’s 2024 Updates

Learn more about the 2024 Final Rule for the Older Americans Act on the Administration for Community Living's website. You can also contact an experienced elder law attorney near you. They can discuss your specific situation and potential options with you.

For additional reading on topics related to older Americans as well as various programs supported by the OAA, check out the following articles:

• Free and Inexpensive Meal Delivery Options for Older Adults
• Getting Help When Providing Care at Home for Aging Parents
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: A Front-Line Advocate for Nursing Home Residents
• Report Shows Spectrum of Needs Among Older Americans
• Elder Financial Abuse: How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help With Elder Abuse Prevention
• 2023 Senior Health Report: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
  

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The Older Americans Act Is Up for Renewal: Why That Matters