Health & Human Services budget includes deep cuts to senior services

As America grapples with the future of federal aging services, one thing remains clear: Older adults and their caregivers rely on critical programs that cannot be left to wither. While the Administration for Community Living (ACL) faces potential dismantling, the Older Americans Act (OAA)—the bedrock of aging services in this country—remains vital. Its reauthorization and full funding are not just bureaucratic necessities; they are a national imperative. If we want to Make America Healthy Again, we must invest in the well-being of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

The Older Americans Act: A Lifeline for Millions
First passed in 1965, the Older Americans Act provides essential services that help older adults remain independent, healthy, and connected to their communities. It funds nutrition programs like home delivered meals, caregiver support, transportation, legal aid, and protection against elder abuse. Through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and community-based organizations, the OAA reaches millions—many of whom have no other safety net.

The OAA is not just about charity; it’s about preventing costly healthcare crises. A delivered meal or an in-home aide can keep an older adult out of a hospital or nursing home, saving taxpayer dollars while improving quality of life. A senior center helps older adults stay engaged in the community, creates opportunities for volunteering and keeps people active and healthy – eliminating loneliness and isolation and their deadly effects.

Caregiver Support: The Backbone of Aging in America
America’s caregivers—often unpaid family members—shoulder enormous burdens. The OAA provides respite care, training, and counseling to help them navigate the challenges of caring for loved ones. Without this support, many caregivers burn out, leading to worse health outcomes for both them and the people they care for and to more costly care options.

The Threat of Inaction
Despite its proven success, the OAA is chronically underfunded. Now, with uncertainty surrounding the ACL, the aging network faces disruption. Yet the need is greater than ever. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65, and by 2030, one in five Americans will be a senior. If we fail to act, we risk leaving millions of older adults without meals, support, and care.

A Call to Action: Reauthorize and Fund the OAA
If we truly want to Make America Healthy Again, we must prioritize the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers. Congress must act now to reauthorize the Older Americans Act and ensure full funding for vital services. We also call on state and local leaders to support Area Agencies on Aging, which continue to serve their communities despite funding shortfalls.
America’s strength is measured not just by its economy or military but by how it treats its most vulnerable. The OAA is a proven investment in dignity, health, and economic stability. Let’s not turn our backs on the very people who built this nation. Reauthorize the Older Americans Act now. In 2024, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and its partners agencies provided services to 63,000 seniors in Pinellas and Pasco counties. These are your family members, neighbors and friends. They deserve continued support. Don’t let them down.