Statement from Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee:

President Obama signed the (OAA) Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016 into law Tuesday, April 19, 2016.  This law, now more than 50 years old, was meant to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to the health and well-being of older adults.

The OAA underpins a promise to preserve the right to live independently, with dignity, making everyday decisions according to our individual preferences and goals across our lifespan. This promise is more important than ever. In a few short years, more than 77 million people will be over the age of 60, and more than 34 million people – mostly family and friends – will be supporting a loved one who is over 60. These numbers will continue to grow for the next several decades.

The OAA affects everyone – older adults, people who help support them, and all of us who hope to one day grow old.

Although, like every law, the OAA is not perfect but it demonstrates for all to know our nation’s obligation to the well-being of older adults.