What Is the Older Americans Act (OAA)?

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is a law aimed at promoting the well-being of older adults by helping them live healthy, independent lives. The landmark legislation, passed more than 50 years ago, is a major source of funding for state and local services to assist people 60 years and older. The law covers a wide range of services, including ensuring good nutrition, caregiving, helping to find employment, and preventing the abuse of older persons.1

Understanding the Older Americans Act

The OAA was passed in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society initiative, which included the creation of Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs targeting poverty and social injustice.2 The law sought to address the lack of community services for older Americans.3

• The Older Americans Act (OAA) is one of the most important pieces of legislation for promoting the well-being of older adults in the country.
• The law, which primarily focused on nutrition when passed as part of the Great Society, has expanded its focus to issues such as preventing disease and the abuse of older persons.
• Funding under the law reached a record high during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted older adults.1

The OAA established the Administration on Aging (AOA), which sits within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The assistant secretary for aging oversees most of the...

Read Full Story: https://www.investopedia.com/older-americans-act-oaa-5185324