The Promise of the Older Americans Act—Now Under Threat

This July marks a milestone we must celebrate—and protect. Sixty years ago, the Older Americans Act (OAA) became law and reshaped what it means to grow older in this country. Before 1965, aging in America too often meant aging alone—without meals, without care, without connection. The OAA changed that, establishing a national commitment to dignity, independence, and community for older adults.

That commitment gave rise to a powerful network of support: senior centers, home-delivered meals, caregiver assistance, case management, legal services, transportation—and more. It promised that older Americans deserve to live with autonomy, with purpose, and with the support they need to thrive in their homes and communities.

But today, that promise is under threat.

Across the country, we see cuts, rollbacks, and erosion of the very programs the OAA made possible—especially for those most at risk: low-income seniors, people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ elders.

Gray Panthers is sounding the alarm.

We are not just celebrating 60 years of progress—we are defending it. We call on elected officials, policymakers, and communities nationwide to:

✅ Fully fund and reauthorize the Older Americans Act

✅ Protect the services and supports that help older adults age in place

✅ Invest in intergenerational solutions that honor aging as a lifelong, community-powered experience

✅ Fight ageism in all its forms

This is our moment. Let the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act be not just a commemoration—but a rallying cry.

Join us. Speak up. Stand with older adults.

Because aging isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a future to protect.

UPDATE: Older Americans Act Reauthorization: Thanks to our collective advocacy, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has introduced legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) through 2029, renewing and strengthening the federal programs that help older adults live with dignity and independence. The bill includes key improvements to support family caregivers, address workforce needs, and access to nutrition, transportation, in-home care, and other vital services.