The Older Americans Act (OAA) was passed by Congress in 1965 as a response to policymaker concerns about the lack of services for older adults. The original act gave authority for grants to States for community planning, social services, research and development projects, and training on aging related issues. The act established the Administration on Aging (AoA) to administer the grant programs and to serve as the federal agency to oversee matters that pertain to older adults.
The OAA is now viewed as the primary vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to seniors and caregivers. The Act authorizes a wide array of service programs through a network of State Units on Aging, 655 Area Agencies on Aging, 244 Tribal organizations, and 2 Native Hawaiian organizations. The OAA also includes community service employment for low-income seniors; training, research, and demonstration activities related to aging; and activities on elder rights. Program and service areas include, but are not limited to:
- Elder Justice and Elder Abuse
- Mental Health
- Benefits Counseling
- Civic Engagement
- Nutritional Services
- Healthy Aging
- Evidence-Based Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Caregiving
You may read the AoA’s frequently asked questions about the Older Americans Act by clicking here.
Access the text of the entire Older Americans Act, including amendments, by clicking right here.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
TOO MANY OLDER AMERICANS, ARE LEFT WITH LITTLE OR NO OPPTIONS. EVERYTHING IS ABOUT MONEY. WHAT ABOUT THE TIME, THAT THESE PEOPLE HADGIVEN TO BUILD THIS, COUNTRY. OUR GOV’T, IS ALL FOR ILLEGAL ALLIENS. HOW ABOUT IT’S CITISINDRY.
I tried to go to school to learn medical billing and coding. I didn’t realize that I would lose my unemployment. I had to quit school because I didn’t have the money for food, gas, medication. I had a grant for the cost of school but what good does it do if you don’t have money to live on.
There is a demand for medical billing and it pays well. I would have been able to get caught up with all my bills, and not be a burden on the state. What is wrong with the government, they tell you to go to school but put up road blocks when you try.
I am a 55 years old and am living in Show Low AZ. I have been looking for work for three months, and have worked in three different locations, but each one there was not enough work for me to continue. I am currently going to school for my BA in Culinary Management, but have no income. I need a job, or assistance to get back to Scottsdale to find work. I need help……please I would love to work…..I have no money….and will be homeless in one month…