Increasing Opportunities for Those in Their Prime
By Carl H. Hendrickson
In 1965 the Older Americans Act was enacted in response to concerns by Congress about a lack of community social services for the older population. The Act was passed as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms and was the first federal initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for older adults. The original legislation established authority for federal grants to states for community planning and social services, recreation projects, and personnel training.
The Act is divided into multiple components or titles. One title establishes the Administration on Aging, another provides federal funding for state agencies on aging, another creates specific projects such as healthcare service in rural areas and technology training, and yet another title establishes a program for engaging low-income seniors in community service employment and volunteer opportunities. A number of programs have been created under the Act of benefit to the elderly, including nutrition programs, health promotion programs, an elder abuse program, and a long-term ombudsman program. Read More >>