[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  OLDER AMERICANS ACT 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2015

  Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of the 
landmark Older Americans Act, which President Lyndon Johnson signed 
into law on July 14, 1965.
  Congress passed the Older Americans Act in response to concerns by 
policymakers about a lack of community social services for older 
persons.
  The Older Americans Act is the major federal vehicle for the delivery 
of social and nutrition services for older persons.
  It ensures seniors have transportation to medical appointments, the 
grocery store, adult day care and more.
  It provides critical support and respite services to those caring for 
older adults--and, today, over 35 million Americans are family 
caregivers for older Americans.
  The Older Americans Act also promotes health and well-being--helping 
manage diabetes, prevent falls, and improve behavioral health so 
seniors can live at home in their community.
  The Older Americans Act has been serving our seniors and families 
well for half a century.
  With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, we have an obligation to 
keep the Older Americans Act strong.
  Just yesterday, President Obama spoke at the 2015 White House 
Conference on Aging to emphasize the importance of addressing aging 
issues and reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
  Across the country, older Americans are running businesses, helping 
to raise their grandchildren, serving as teachers, acting as mentors, 
and contributing their many talents for the better of their community.
  I am committed to making sure that Americans are able to enjoy the 
secure retirement they deserve--whether they are already retired, are 
about to retire or are just starting out.
  I will continue to work to protect and expand Social Security, 
improve health care affordability, and create affordable long-term care 
options.
  Americans who have worked hard, raised families, and kept our country 
strong should be able to live their years in retirement with dignity 
and independence.
  The Older Americans Act helps them do that by providing critical 
services to millions of senior citizens and their families.
  Reauthorization of this important piece of legislation should occur 
as soon as possible.

                          ____________________