As potential changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are highlighted under President Donald Trump’s administration, a crucial topic remains overlooked: the risk to funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA).
The OAA’s programs are vital in helping older adults maintain independence and actively participate in their communities.
San Diego’s Serving Seniors relies on OAA funding to support meal programs, which are essential for older adults facing poverty and homelessness.
According to recent statistics, OAA programs impact one in six seniors nationally, significantly benefiting clients of Serving Seniors.
However, a significant shift is underway, following an announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the elimination of key aging programs.
It is imperative for San Diego’s Congressional representatives to recognize the importance of the OAA amidst these changes.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, the OAA has historically been a lifeline for millions of older adults across the nation.
Serving Seniors is at the forefront of a nationwide campaign urging federal lawmakers to reauthorize the OAA and sustain current funding levels.
As the current board chair of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, I share significant concerns regarding the future of the OAA.
On July 14, a live online rally was launched via YouTube, emphasizing the OAA’s significance as it approaches its anniversary and underscoring the necessity of reauthorization.
The OAA is one of the cornerstone programs established during the Great Society era, alongside Medicare and Medicaid.
Over the past six decades, it has positively influenced the lives of tens of millions, reaffirming its status as one of the most impactful programs in the country.
Among the prominent supporters of the act is San Diego Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, who participated in the rally and voiced her commitment to its reauthorization.
“I’ve seen firsthand how organizations like Serving Seniors are addressing this critical need,” Jacobs stated, embodying the collective support for the act.
“I’ve been so grateful to partner with Serving Seniors to serve meals to folks in our community; it’s about more than food; it’s about combating isolation,” she continued.
The Congresswoman emphasized that the program plays a crucial role in helping seniors remain housed, aligning with a major priority and pressing challenge in San Diego.
A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights that over one million older adults have benefited from OAA-funded meal services, with 181 million home-delivered meals and 57 million congregate meals distributed through organizations like Serving Seniors.
Despite the growing needs, funding for OAA programs has not matched the rapid increase in the older adult population.
Between 2014 and 2024, there has been a staggering 28% rise in the number of people aged 60 and older in the U.S., increasing from 64.7 million to 82.5 million.
This demographic shift elevates the necessity for increased funding, reflecting the nation’s commitment to serving those 60 and above.
At Serving Seniors, the transformative impact of OAA-supported programs is clear.
By providing healthy, nutritious meals, we facilitate better health outcomes for older adults, enhancing their independence and community engagement while also reducing healthcare costs.
When low-income seniors receive meals from organizations like Serving Seniors, they can reallocate their limited food budget to cover essential expenses like rent and medical care.
Our landmark needs assessment survey indicates that even a few hundred dollars per month can make a significant difference in stabilizing their housing situation.
Moreover, older adults who dine at Serving Seniors’ eight congregate dining rooms gain essential social connections—an important element for maintaining mental health.
Serving Seniors represents the voices and needs of millions of older adults, mobilizing to advocate strongly for maintaining support for America’s elders.
It’s crucial to note that many older adults facing homelessness experience this crisis due to unforeseen life events.
A modest investment in services like meal delivery, a one-time support payment, or a shallow rental subsidy can often prevent homelessness for these individuals.
Investing in OAA programs proves less costly than addressing homelessness in San Diego after it has occurred, solidifying the Older Americans Act as one of the best investments of public funds available.
image source from：timesofsandiego
