March 23, 2016

Statement from Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee on House passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization (S. 192)

We are excited to see the Older Americans Act on the verge of reauthorization, and we applaud the House for this important step.

For more than 50 years, the Older Americans Act has provided for high-quality services that support the health, well-being, and safety of our nation's seniors and the people who care for them. It is a crucial part of a system that helps older adults preserve their independence and live with dignity in their communities.

Nearly 45 million older adults live in the United States today, and that number is growing rapidly.  By 2030, seniors will number more than 72 million and represent more than 20 percent of our population. In addition, more than 40 million people, mostly family members, help support older adults, and that number also will continue to grow. The programs authorized by the Older Americans Act have never been more important, and we look forward to its reauthorization. 

Read more about the legislation here.