Department of Health and Human Services. Division of Aging and Adult Services. Office of Older Americans Act.

Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965, creating the first federal legislation devoted exclusively to addressing the needs and challenges of older Americans. Since its passage, the OAA has provided funding and leadership in establishing a unique nationwide network of federal, state, and local governments as well as private providers serving the diverse needs of America's older adults. The law sets specific objectives, consistent with state policy, for providing services to older individuals with the greatest economic and social need and those at risk for institutional placement. Older individuals with limited English proficiency and those residing in rural areas must also be included. This Office facilitates those goals.