Congressman Brendan Boyle Honors the Older Americans Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-13) issued the following statement on the Older Americans Act which was signed into law on July 14, 1965:

"Today is the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, an important law that guarantees that Older Americans who have worked hard, raised families, and kept our country strong should be able to live with dignity and independence. The Older Americans Act helps them do that by providing critical services to millions of senior citizens and their families."

"President Truman held the first National Conference on Aging in 1950, and in 1961, delegates to the White House Conference on Aging made recommendations that led to the Older Americans Act. The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 14, 1965."

"Each year the Older Americans Act provides more than 11 million people with services like home-delivered and congregate meals – known as Meals on Wheels – which is a program most people know about. However, others are unaware that because of the Older Americans Act seniors have transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store, adult day care and more."

"The Older Americans Act also provides critical support and respite services to those caring for older adults – and, today, over 35 million Americans are family caregivers. The Older Americans Act promotes health and well-being – helping manage diabetes, prevent falls, and improve behavioral health so seniors can live at home in their community."

"Sadly over 2 million seniors are the victims of elder abuse, neglect and/or exploitation, but thanks to Older Americans Act training and technical assistance to stop that abuse is provided across the country. The Older Americans Act also funds the Senior Medicare Patrol which trains Older Americans and their families how to report Medicare and Medicaid fraud."

"Happy Anniversary Older Americans Act, and here's to many more!"