By Dana Corwin Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services
In 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was enacted to confront the growing challenges faced by older adults in the United States. This legislation emerged because older Americans—who had significantly contributed to society for decades—were encountering financial hardships, in need of supports in the community and managing their health needs as they aged. With life expectancies climbing, it became clear that a robust support system and ongoing programs and services were essential for older citizens who needed help and deserved the right to live at home. The OAA has been pivotal in enabling older adults to stay in their homes instead of being forced into nursing facilities or care centers.
Alongside Medicare and Medicaid, which were also established in 1965 to address health insurance needs, the OAA created a robust framework of programs and benefits that support various aspects of community living. Given the increasing older adult population, this issue demands immediate national focus and action. Aging is not merely a personal issue—it requires a united response from our nation. The health of older adults is greatly influenced by many professionals working together to promote wellness and prevent disease through identified social determinants of health. This is exactly why the Older Americans Act is crucial. The OAA provides essential services, including nutrition programs, home-delivered meals, transportation, personal care assistance, insurance counseling, health and wellness education, legal services, and necessary home repairs or modifications. It funds senior centers, adult day services, personal emergency buttons, and protective services for older adults that fight scams and financial exploitation. Moreover, the OAA directly supports the countless caregivers who dedicate their time to caring for their loved ones. These services not only help maintain the health of older adults but are also substantially less costly than institutional care.
We are all aging and may find ourselves in need of these vital services now or in the future. Right now, discussions at the federal level threaten financial cuts to programs under the OAA. This is a critical moment for us to make our voices heard! We must contact our elected officials and stress the value of these programs in our lives and the lives of our families.
If you or someone you know benefits from any OAA-funded services, it is very important that you reach out to your senators and congressperson today—whether through calls, emails, or texts. Failure to act now risks losing essential services in our communities. We have already seen alarming reductions in hospital beds, the downsizing of nursing homes, and cuts to adult services in the last decade. These services support people her ibn Chautauqua. If we don’t have them, where will people be placed for long term services and care? Your voice is powerful, and these services matter now more than ever.
For assistance in locating the contact information of your elected officials, call our offices at 716-753-4471 in Mayville, 716-363-3865 in Dunkirk, or 716-661-8940 in Jamestown. If you need names, contact information, or help with a letter call us at the Office for Aging Services.
Remember, once these programs and services are lost, restoring them will be a monumental challenge. Take action now to ensure the community services funded by the Older Americans Act are preserved! Remember to PLAN as you age. So that you can be equipped to age well at home!
