Fiftieth Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Marked By Engel

On Thursday, Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16) marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Older Americans Act.  President Lyndon Johnson signed this vital law on July 14, 1965.  The Older Americans Act funds critical services that help keep older adults healthy and independent – services such as meals-on-wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation, senior centers, elder abuse prevention, and caregiver support.

“The importance of the Older Americans Act and the services it funds for seniors, caregivers, and their families cannot be overstated,” Rep. Engel said. “The services help seniors stay as independent as possible in their homes and communities.  For the seniors in New York, this is their number-one priority.  Services such as meals-on-wheels, transportation, and caregiver support have been vital for many of the seniors in my congressional district who want to be able to remain in their own homes.”

Just over the last five years, the Older Americans Act has funded:

  • More than 1 billion meals-on-wheels and congregate meals;
  • Over 130 million rides to doctor’s offices, grocery stores, and other essential places;
  • Over 60 million hours of homemaker services, allowing seniors to remain in their homes; and
  • Over 30 million hours of respite care, providing caregivers the vital rest and support they need.

“After a lifetime of hard work, America’s seniors deserve to live their later years with dignity and independence,” Engel said. “The Older Americans Act is key in helping them do that.  This year, Congress must send to the President’s desk legislation reauthorizing and strengthening this critical Act.  We owe it to all of America’s seniors.”

 

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