Skip to main content

The Older Americans Act

The Older Americans Act (OAA) funds critical services that keep our nation's seniors healthy and independent—services like meals, job training, senior centers, health promotion, benefits enrollment, caregiver support, transportation, and more. Learn more about the Older Americans Act and the Aging Network programs and strategies it supports.
Senior centers are vibrant sources of physical and social well-being, and centers provide essential services for older adults. Learn more about how NCOA supports these organizations.

The Older Americans Act: Background, History, and Why It's Important

Celebrating 59 Years of the Older Americans Act

Now in its 59th year, the Older Americans Act (OAA) ensures a network of national, state, tribal, local, and community-based organizations can plan for and implement important programming to ensure all older Americans, especially the most vulnerable, can age well with health, dignity, and independence. Learn more about its history and what you can do to support its reauthorization this year.
Find out what programs and strategies OAA supports.
Learn more about the Older Americans Act and how it addresses the social services needs of older adults.

Vital Funding for Older Adults and Communities

We all have a stake in ensuring the Older Americans Act continues to support key programs and services. NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin testified before Congress about the importance of OAA and how reauthorization of its funding ensures everyone has the opportunity to age well.
Understand NCOA's priorities
Each year, funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and many other aging services need to be approved by Congress and signed into law by the president. Learn why the reauthorization of OAA is so important to older adults, caregivers, and their communities.

2020 Legislative Developments in OAA

The bipartisan, bicameral agreement on OAA reauthorization, the Supporting Older Americans Act, was adopted by Unanimous Consent in the Senate on March 3, 2020, approved by the House on March 11, and signed into law on March 25. Many of NCOA's priorities were included in the final 2020 legislation.
Learn more about the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020.
Learn more about the bipartisan, bicameral agreement on OAA reauthorization that was adopted by unanimous consent in the Senate on March 3, 2020.

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has preserved the right for seniors to live independently, promoting a continuum of social services to our nation's aging population.

Over 11 million older Americans and their caregivers benefit from OAA programs administered by our aging services network. Each year, funding for OAA programs (also called reauthorization) needs to be approved by Congress and signed into law by the president. The reauthorization of OAA is a crucial opportunity for Congress to modernize and improve services to individuals looking to maintain their health, dignity, and independence.

NCOA's role in support of the Older Americans Act

NCOA continues to fight for annual investments in OAA programs to meet the critical needs of older adults, their caregivers, and the communities that serve them. OAA has been updated several times through the reauthorization process, most recently in 2020 with another due in 2024. NCOA feels strongly about what should be in this year's reauthorization. 

Explore our resources below and learn how NCOA's Policy Team is working to fight for annual investments in OAA programs to meet the critical needs in the community.

Protect OAA Funded Programs

Action Center

Help protect the federal funding needed to help support older adults, families, and communities. Fight for the Older Americans Act today.

Tell Congress

The Latest OAA News and Updates

NCOA Older Americans Act Reauthorization Priorities

Jan 23, 2025
NCOA recommends these key Older Americans Act priorities for Congress and the administration.

Older Americans Act Reauthorization: Senate Advances Bill Endorsed by NCOA

Dec 12, 2024

Older Americans Act Reauthorization: Senate Committee Advances Bill Endorsed by NCOA

Aug 06, 2024

Current Federal Budget and Appropriations for Aging Services Programs

Aug 05, 2024

Biden's 2025 Budget Preserves Benefits and Supports for Older Adults

Apr 30, 2024
Biden FY25 Budget Request Keeps Older Adult Supports in Place

Ramsey Alwin Testimony on How the Older Americans Act Supports Efforts to Meet the Needs of Older Adults

Mar 07, 2024
Modernize the Older Americans Act to Meet the Needs of Today's Older Adults

Patchwork, Temporary Funding Leaves Key Programs and Benefits for Older Adults at Risk

Dec 11, 2023
As Congress continues to delay important decisions for fiscal year 2024, the lack of permanent funding puts many programs older adults rely on at risk of cuts or elimination.

Priorities for Modernizing the Older Americans Act

Read NCOA's priorities for reauthorizing the OAA, the backbone for services to America's aging population.

Advocate for Everyone to Age Well

Action Center

Add your voice to protect and strengthen the policies and programs we all depend on as we age. Join the National Council on Aging by following federal aging services legislation, and speak up on the issues you care about.

Make Your Voice Heard

Get NCOA in Your Inbox

Choose where we'll send you resources to support your health and financial well-being. Select an option(s) below that best describes you to get communication that matches your interests.

This field is required.
This field is required.
Please enter a valid email address.
Back to Top