On July 14, 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law, creating the first U.S. system providing home and community-based services to older adults. Sixty years later, the law remains a cornerstone of support for older Americans.
The OAA helps older adults stay connected to their communities and remain independent in the places they call home. Annually, it serves more than 14 million people — about 1 in 6 older Americans — through services like meals, transportation, in-home care, and caregiver support. That adds up to more than 250 million meals, 14 million rides, and 30 million hours of in-home and caregiver support delivered each year.
These services are made possible by a robust aging services network created by the OAA. The network includes 56 state units on aging, 291 tribal organizations, more than 600 area agencies on aging, over 20,000 local service providers, and 80,000 volunteers. Together, this national network and the services it delivers represent a powerful, enduring investment in older adults.
At this milestone, the Older Americans Act continues to demonstrate the impact of a national commitment to supporting older adults. Its programs remain vital to helping people live with health, independence, and dignity — goals that matter as much today as they did in 1965.