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With an aging population on the rise, the need for essential services to support our older adults has never been more critical. The Older Americans Act, a cornerstone of our social safety net, provides vital programs that enable older adults to age with dignity and independence. As this legislation faces reauthorization in Congress, it’s imperative that we advocate for its continuation.
Established in 1965, the OAA has been a lifeline for countless individuals across the nation. It funds essential services like home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support and more, ensuring that older adults can remain active and engaged in their communities. The Older Americans Act is due to be reauthorized, and we must act now to secure the continuation of it.
The OAA has a profound impact on our local community. It supports a network of Area Agencies on Aging that deliver essential services to help older adults age in place. These services not only improve the quality of life for older adults but also alleviate the burden on caregivers and health care systems, providing cost-effective home-based care.
From caregiver support to home modifications, the OAA has transformed the lives of countless individuals. Consider the story of Pauline, whose caregiver support helped her navigate the challenges of caring for her spouse. Or Rosemary, who no longer goes to bed hungry thanks to home-delivered meals. These are just a few examples of how the OAA is making a tangible difference in the lives of our seniors.
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s leadership in securing vital provisions for AAAs has been instrumental in advancing the OAA reauthorization out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Sen. Braun’s collaboration with Indiana AAAs has resulted in several improvements to the OAA that would provide local agencies with more flexibility to better address the diverse needs of our seniors.
As the OAA faces a critical juncture in Congress, it’s time for us to take action. We must urge our elected officials to prioritize the needs of older adults and support the reauthorization of this vital legislation. By doing so, we can ensure that our seniors continue to receive the essential services they need to thrive.
Let’s make our voices heard. Contact your representatives today and share your personal stories about how the OAA has impacted your life or the life of someone you know. Together, we can safeguard the well-being of our treasured seniors and secure a better tomorrow for our community.•
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Brown is president and CEO of CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions.
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