For Immediate Release
December 20, 2024
Contact: Christina Mills
Executive Director
California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A)
Email: Aging@c4a.info
California’s Older Adults and Caregivers Need Immediate Action: Congress Must Pass the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Before Session Closes
As Executive Director of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A), I am joining the national call to action for Congress to reauthorize the bipartisan Older Americans Act (OAA) and fully fund the programs that sustain the health, safety, and independence of millions of older adults and their caregivers. With California home to more than 8.7 million adults over the age of 60—the largest population of older adults in the nation—inaction on this critical legislation would have devastating consequences for our state’s aging population.
California’s 33 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), alongside countless local service providers, rely on OAA funding to deliver essential services that make aging in place possible for older Californians. These services include:
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Home-delivered and congregate meals that address food insecurity and ensure nutrition.
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Transportation services that help older adults remain connected to their communities and access medical care.
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Caregiver support programs that provide training and respite to those caring for loved ones.
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Elder abuse prevention to protect our most vulnerable community members.
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Case management and counseling services that help older adults navigate complex systems and find the resources they need.
These lifeline services are the backbone of healthy aging in California, and they are at risk if Congress fails to act. Despite bipartisan support for the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4776), Congress has not yet finalized action on this critical legislation. Coupled with the looming threat of a government shutdown, which could cut off OAA funding altogether, this delay jeopardizes the ability of AAAs and community providers to meet the growing needs of our state’s aging population.
The stakes could not be higher. Without the reauthorization and funding of the OAA, countless older adults and family caregivers will lose access to the critical services that allow them to live with dignity and independence. For California, this is not just a policy issue—it is a humanitarian crisis waiting to happen.
I urge Congress to prioritize the health and well-being of older adults before leaving for the holiday break. Passing the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 is not just a legislative obligation; it is a moral imperative. California’s older adults and caregivers are counting on you.
About C4A:
The California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) represents California’s 33 Area Agencies on Aging, which serve as a vital link between state, local, and federal programs supporting older adults, persons with disabilities, and caregivers. Together, we advocate for policies that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for all Californians.