Overview of the Older Americans Act (OAA) 650-25-15

(Revised 7/1/19 ML #3552)

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The Older Americans Act of 1965 provides assistance in the development of new or improved programs to help older persons through grants to states for community planning and services. It also provides for training, research, and discretionary projects. Further, it established within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), an operating agency designated as the Administration on Aging. In April 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.

 

The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended in 2016, contains the following Titles:

  1. Title I outlines objectives to improve the lives of older Americans in the areas of income, physical health, mental health, housing, long-term care services, employment, retirement, education and recreation opportunities, and community services.
  2. Title II establishes the Administration on Aging, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Aging, within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Assistant Secretary for Aging is appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Title further establishes within the Administration on Aging, an Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Aging; and an Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
  3. Title III provides funding for the development of comprehensive and coordinated service systems that allow older persons to lead independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities. Part A outlines the purpose and administration of this Title; Part B allows for the provision of supportive services and senior centers; Part C allows for the provision of nutrition services; Part D allows for disease prevention and health promotion services; Part E addresses the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Services provided under this title must be coordinated with services under Title VI, if applicable.
  4. Title IV provides funding for grant awards to design, test, and promote the use of innovative ideas and best practices in programs and services addressing health, independence, and longevity.
  5. Title V promotes useful community service and employment opportunities for unemployed, low-income persons who are age fifty-five and older.
  6. Title VI provides funding for the delivery of supportive services and nutrition services to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians that are comparable to services provided under Title III. The Native American Caregiver Support Program is also provided under this title. Grants under this Title are administered by the Administration on Aging.
  7. Title VII provides funding for elder rights protection activities for vulnerable adults.