Roanoke — The Local Office on Aging (LOA) has announced it’s joining the nation in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) — landmark legislation signed into law on July 14, 1965, that has shaped the way older adults live, age and thrive in their communities.
Passed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the OAA responded to the needs of older adults across the country. It laid the foundation for the national aging services network. For six decades, the OAA has helped build a local network of aging services organizations and a cadre of volunteers to provide essential services to older adults so they can remain active and connected to their communities. These organizations know the local needs and deliver supports where it matters most.
The 25 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across Virginia, including the Local Office on Aging, are lifelines for many adults who may need home-delivered meals, transportation, legal and financial help, exercise or social activities. The AAAs, supported by the Division for Aging Services at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, provided nearly 80,000 services to older adults last year.
“The Older Americans Act continues to be the foundation of community-based services that help older Virginians remain healthy, independent and engaged,” said Ron Boyd, LOA president & CEO. As we mark this 60-year milestone, we honor the progress made and recommit to ensuring that every older adult in Virginia can age with dignity and respect.”
Since the OAA’s passage, the needs and diversity of Virginia’s aging population have grown. Today, more than 1.8 million Virginians are age 60 and older, and that number is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. The OAA ensures that programs can adapt and expand to meet these changing needs.
Continuing federal policy changes could potentially dismantle the coordinated services that help older adults live independently and with dignity. Local Office on Aging President & CEO Ron Boyd recently explained why preserving the integrity of the OAA is crucial for seniors in our community and across the nation. Read more at https://loaa.org/preserving-the-older-americans-act/
For more information on programs offered by LOA, visit https://loaa.org/
-The Salem Times-Register
