WASHINGTON, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ADvancing States, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Meals on Wheels America and USAging are joining together today to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) — a landmark law that has connected older adults to vital services that help them age with health and dignity in their own homes and communities for six decades.
To commemorate the occasion, the five organizations are issuing a unified call to action, urging Congress to protect and increase funding for OAA programs that provide essential services to millions of older Americans nationwide. Passed in 1965, the OAA established a foundation for delivering comprehensive services to older adults through a nationwide aging network. To this day, it continues to fund critical programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), providing access to in-home care, transportation, healthy aging activities in senior centers, nutritious meals, help connecting to other services, job training, caregiver supports and more.
The organizations are also calling on their supporters to participate in the coordinated day of action today by contacting their members of Congress and urging them to protect and increase OAA funding. This unified effort aims to ensure the OAA and its vital programs remain strong and effective for the next 60 years and beyond.
“As we celebrate this milestone and all we’ve accomplished with the support of the OAA over the course of 60 years, it’s important we recognize that continued progress requires continued support,” said leaders from the five organizations in a joint statement. “Most critically, federal funding for OAA programs must increase in order to reach all older adults in need.”
Continued investment in the OAA is especially important given the upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits made by H.R.1. This will increase hardship among vulnerable older adults and, in turn, lead to more strain placed on OAA-funded programs that are already stretched thin. A significant increase in OAA funding is critical to ensure that the national aging network can continue to support those in need and meet this rising demand.
The OAA and the health, well-being and independence of older adults remain non-partisan issues. All five organizations are committed to working with the Administration and Congress to advance policies that will ensure no senior in America is left behind and are calling on America to amplify a call for increased funding.
ABOUT ADVANCING STATES
ADvancing States was founded in 1964 under the name National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA). In 2019, the association changed its name to ADvancing States. Today, ADvancing States represents the nation’s 56 state and territorial agencies on aging and disabilities and long-term services and supports directors. ADvancing States supports visionary leadership, the advancement of systems innovation and the articulation of national policies that support long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities.
ABOUT NANASP
Founded in 1977, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) is proud to be a leading organization advocating for policies and programs nourishing older adults. Our 1,000 member programs represent a wide range of essential services providers who support the nutrition, health and life quality of over 4 million older adults. For more information, go to nanasp.org.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at @NCOAging.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Through funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information or to get involved in advocacy efforts, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
ABOUT USAGING
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
SOURCE Meals on Wheels America
