July 7, 2025 – ADvancing States Executive Director Martha Roherty, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Robert B. Blancato, National Council on Aging (NCOA) President and CEO Ramsey Alwin, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and USAging CEO Sandy Markwood issued the following joint statement leading up to the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) on July 14:
For six decades, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has connected older adults to vital services that help people age with health and dignity—in their own homes and communities, where they want to be. In 1965, the OAA was transformational for older adults, and today, it still stands as the only national framework comprehensively addressing the social services needs of older adults in the community. The Act continues to be one of the most successful examples of public-private partnerships in action and leverages $3 for every $1 invested by the federal government. As the U.S. population ages—projected to include more than 97 million Americans over age 60 by 2040—we must scale OAA programs that are trusted, proven and have withstood the test of time.
Thanks to the OAA, millions of older adults have access to in-home care, transportation, healthy aging activities in senior centers, nutritious meals, help connecting to other services, job training, and more. Older caregivers and caregivers of older adults are also served by the OAA with respite care, training, support and access to other resources. OAA programs and services are delivered through a nationwide network of state and local agencies and service providers that are deeply rooted in their communities, equipping them to meet the unique needs of local older adults and caregivers, particularly those most in need of assistance to age well and remain in their homes and communities.
Community-based services are person-centered and more cost-effective than other forms of health or long-term care, including hospital stays and nursing homes. When older adults can safely and successfully age at home, families and taxpayers alike benefit.
While we celebrate the OAA’s 60th anniversary, we know that continued progress requires continued support. Most critically, federal funding for OAA programs must increase in order to reach all older adults in need.
Our organizations urge Congress to protect and increase funding for the OAA, and we urge supporters to contact their representatives during a collective day of action on the 60th Anniversary of the OAA on Monday, July 14.
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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.
Press Contact: eobrian@advancingstates.org
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.
Press Contact: lborth@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.
Press Contact: simona.combi@ncoa.org
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.
Press Contact: press@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.
Press Contact: bcoulter@usaging.org
