Sixty years ago, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law for the first time. This was a significant step forward when it came to providing essential resources, services, programs, and protections to older adults across the country. The legislation established a nationwide aging network and it provides funding for services that help people remain in their homes as they age.
In April, the federal government implemented sweeping changes to the OAA including cutting staff, eliminating entire programs and splitting up remaining programs to be overseen by two federal agencies. These changes will reduce and fragment delivery of critical services.
Currently the Older Americans Act is funded until the end of September. To celebrate the sixtieth birthday of this crucial funding, the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging is working with a coalition of partners to advocate to reauthorize the Older Americans Act beyond September 2025. If the OAA is not reauthorized, there will be severe consequences for seniors across the U.S.
What exactly is at stake?
Funding from the Older Americans Act covers a variety of programs and services throughout Illinois. In 2024, OAA funding provided services to 478,000 older adults in Illinois alone, through programs like:
- free and reduced-price meals for older adults, including meals provided in congregate dining settings and meals delivered to older adults’ homes,
- programs that support older adults remaining in their homes, like transportation services, in-home care, and chore services, and support for senior centers that encourage seniors to stay fit, healthy, and engaged,
- health screenings and education that bolster preventative care and assist in early detection of health issues,
- respite care for burdened caregivers,
- guidance and assistance with locating and accessing resources, care, and services,
- free legal assistance,
- the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that protects and improves the lives of residents in long-term care by regularly visiting facilities, monitoring conditions, and advocating on behalf of older adults in these communities, and more.
Act now from the comfort of your home!
What can I do?
Everyone has a role to play in advocating for reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
First, join an advocacy event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. These events will take place across Illinois throughout the day. Here you can connect with older adults, caregivers, and their loved ones, learn more about the importance of the Older Americans Act, and take collective action in your community. To find an event near you, visit: il4a.org/.
Second, call your representatives in Congress now. You can look up your representatives here or by calling the United States Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Tell them your name, let them know that you are a constituent, and make these key points:
- The administration of all Older Americans Act programs must not be split apart.
- All Older Americans Act programs are critical and must be saved.
Third, visit AgeOptions’ Advocacy webpage to send a letter to your representative, asking them to protect the Older Americans Act.
And last, share this blog with someone else who can be a voice and advocate for older adults.
Sources:
AgeOptions. “Advocacy Alerts.” Accessed May 15, 2025. ageoptions.org/about-ageoptions/advocacy/advocacy-alerts
Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “Don’t Blow Out the Candles on the Older Americans Act (OAA).” Accessed May 15, 2025. il4a.org/
