Celebrating 60 Years of the Older Americans Act

Sixty years ago this summer, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law.

This historic legislation provided a framework for the delivery of services addressing a wide range of issues facing older adults, including access to proper nutrition, maintaining physical and mental health, and protection from abuse and neglect.

Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of the Aging & Disabilities Department, spoke about this landmark legislation during a town hall on aging held in Glendale in July.

An audience member asked Dr. Trejo what services the County offers as a result of the Act.

“I’m happy to tell you we have lots of them,” Dr. Trejo said. “L.A. County has over 200 congregate dining sites providing hot meals five days a week. We have home-delivered meals. We have wonderful activities that we support, whether it be in a senior center or in a community-based organization.”

Another program is the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, or HICAP, where older adults can review healthcare insurance options with an expert to decide which one is right for them. There are also services for transportation and caregiver support, among other offerings.

“So we have a wide array of services under the Older Americans Act,” Dr. Trejo said. “Please reach out to us so that you can find out which ones you want to be a part of, or that you need, or even those you may just want to be aware of for the future.”

In remarks after signing the legislation, then-President Lyndon B. Johnson said the Older Americans Act “affirms our nation’s sense of responsibility toward the well-being of all of our older citizens.”

“But even more, the results of this act will help us to expand our opportunities for enriching the lives of all of our citizens in this country, now and in the years to come,” Johnson said.

For more information about services available though Aging & Disabilities Department in Los Angeles County, please call 1‑800‑510‑2020 or dial 211.