By Tim Wholf

For nearly 60 years, the Older Americans Act has been the backbone of the nation’s aging services network. First enacted in 1965, the OAA was designed to help older adults age with dignity, independence and choice in their own homes and communities. While many people are familiar with Social Security or Medicare, fewer realize how many essential local services are made possible through the Older Americans Act.

At its core, the OAA provides federal funding to states, Area Agencies on Aging and Native American tribes to deliver supportive services for adults age 60 and older and their caregivers. These services are especially critical for individuals with lower incomes, chronic health conditions, transportation limitations or socially isolated.

Many of the services provided by the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging are funded through the OAA. This funding has been vital in helping meet the needs of Johnson County residents. One of the most well-known OAA-funded services is nutrition support. This includes congregate meals offered at seven nutrition centers throughout Johnson County, as well as home-delivered meals for individuals who are homebound. Beyond addressing hunger, these programs promote social connection, wellness checks and improved health outcomes.

The OAA also funds supportive services that help older adults remain independent. These services can include in home assistance, chore services, personal care and emergency response monitoring. By providing help with daily activities, OAA-funded programs can delay or prevent the need for more costly institutional care.

Another critical component of the Older Americans Act is caregiver support. Through the OAA, funding is used to provide information, training, respite care, counseling and support groups for individuals caring for older adults. These services recognize the essential role caregivers play and help reduce stress and burnout.

Monica Steinle, a nutrition volunteer out of the Matt Ross Community Center, packs meals for delivery to local homebound residents.

The OAA places a strong emphasis on advocacy and protection of older adults’ rights. Funding supports legal assistance services that help older adults address issues such as housing stability benefits access and protection from abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Health promotion and disease prevention programs are another important area supported by the OAA. These evidence-based programs may focus on falls prevention, chronic disease self management, physical activity and mental well-being, helping older adults stay healthy and engaged.

What makes the Older Americans Act unique is its local flexibility. While funding comes from the federal government, decisions about services are driven by community needs identified through local planning and public input. Identifying community needs allowed JCAAA to create a 4-year Area Plan on Aging in 2025 to use OAA funding to address specific challenges faced by older adults in Johnson County. A copy of the new Area Plan on Aging (FY 2026–2029) is now available on our website, along with an executive summary at jocogov.org/johnson-county-area-plan-aging.

Like many federal programs, the OAA must be periodically reauthorized by Congress. Reauthorization allows lawmakers to review the law, update it to reflect current needs and ensure programs remain effective and accountable. The most recent OAA authorization was set to expire on Sept. 30, 2024. OAA services have continued through Continuing Resolutions that provide funding at Fiscal Year 2025 levels. Aging network advocates have urged Congress to reauthorize the OAA and increase funding to meet growing needs.

As the population ages, the Older Americans Act remains a vital investment in community-based services that support independence, strengthen caregivers and improve quality of life. Understanding the wide range of services that the OAA funds highlights why continued support and funding are essential for older adults today and in the future.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.