Older Americans Act
The OAA contains several intergenerational provisions. These lesser-known areas provide for programs that encourage the young and old to share their talents and resources and support each other in relationships that benefit both individuals and the community.
In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act (OAA) to provide grants to states to develop and improve services and programs to help older people. The services provided by the OAA have made a notable difference in the lives of millions of older adults and those who care about them. Reauthorized in 2020, it now includes significant additions to the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) and new provisions for multigenerational demonstration projects.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) was the first major intergenerational initiative in the Older Americans Act and the first OAA program to provide services directly to individuals under 55 years old. Through the NFCSP, caregivers can access critical supportive services including:
- Information
- Assistance
- Individual counseling
- Support groups and caregiver training
- Respite care and supplemental services
There is no longer a funding cap for agencies under the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) to provide support services to grandparents or other older relatives, aged 55 and older, who are raising children. Previously, funding for the services was limited to 10% of the appropriated amount.
Nutrition
Over 2.4 million older Americans participate in senior meals programs each year under the Older Americans Act, Title III-C. Meals are provided to individuals who need them most. Seventy-three to ninety-six percent of home-delivered meal recipients are at high nutritional risk, and 62 percent of them receive half or more of their daily food intake from their home-delivered meals. An additional 5.3 million older Americans suffer from food insecurity or the inability to afford, prepare, or acquire food. While the main goal of the OAA nutrition programs is to feed older people in need, it also plays an invaluable role in giving participating seniors the opportunity to socialize and remain engaged in their community.
Demonstration Projects
The Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, signed into law on March 25, 2020, reauthorized the Older Americans Act (OAA) through 2024. This reauthorization includes a range of bipartisan intergenerational provisions, many of which were championed by Generations United. The Act expands and creates new intergenerational opportunities through the Grant Program for Multigenerational Collaboration. For organizations to be eligible for these new or expanded opportunities under the OAA, they can:
- Promote volunteerism, and facilitate the development of and participation in multigenerational activities and civic engagement activities through the use of a multigenerational coordinator
- Support grandparents or other older relatives raising children
- Involve older volunteers in providing support and information to families with special needs
Resources
Intergenerational Opportunities in the Older Americans Act 2020 Reauthorization (PDF)
USAging: Older Americans Act
National Council on Aging: The Older Americans Act
Kinship/Grandfamilies: The Role of Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs
