The Division of Aging and Adult Services has asked us to join them in getting broad input to help shape the future of the federal Older Americans Act. This Act, first established in 1965, is up for reauthorization in 2011. At each reauthorization, important changes to the Act have taken place. For example:
- In 1972, the national nutrition program for the elderly (home-delivered and congregate meals) was established.
- In 1973, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (Title V) was created.
- In 1973, Area Agencies on Aging were created.
- In 1974, transportation was added to Title III as a model project.
- In 1978, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was authorized for nursing homes.
- In 1981, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was expanded to include adult care homes.
- In 2000, the Family Caregiver Support Program was added.
- In 2006, support for evidence-based health promotion was added.
Clearly, the OAA is a work in progress. Your ideas will help North Carolina shape the next OAA amendments so that we can better meet the opportunities and challenges presented by our growing aging population.
To add your voice to the discussion and to complete the survey
To have your thoughts considered in North Carolina’s Older Americans Act Input— please respond by February 19, 2010. NC may be the only state undertaking such an effort to get broad input.
Posted by Triangle J Area Agency on Aging 
