1003 OAA Overview | Administration 5600 Manual

The Older Americans Act (OAA) first passed in 1965, is a federal law that funds programs and services to help older adults live independent, healthy, and productive lives. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, support for family caregivers, preventive health services, personal and home care services, transportation, legal assistance, elder abuse prevention, supported employment training, ombudsman services for adults living in long-term care facilities, and other services as needed.

Under the OAA, Titles I through Title VII address different aspects of services and programs for older adults. (42 U.S.C. §3001, et seq., as amended). In the state of Georgia, services and programs for older adults are provided under Titles III, IV, V and VII.

1) Title I – Declaration of Objectives; Definitions: Title I establishes the basic principles and goals of the OAA, which includes ensuring equal access to retirement income, healthcare, housing, employment, community services, protection, and promoting independence and civic participation.

2) Title II – Administration on Aging (AoA): Title II created the Administration on Aging (AoA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for overseeing and coordinating efforts among federal, state and local agencies to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services for older adults. Title II also establishes the framework for the AoA and defining the role of the Assistant Secretary for Aging. In 2012, AoA became part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to manage grant programs and to serve as the federal focal point on matters concerning older adults and is authorized through a variety of statutes (acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes)

3) Title III – Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging: Title III is a significant component of the OAA, as it provides formula grants to states, tribes and territories to support and advocate for older adults and family caregivers. OAA grants are awarded to the State Units on Aging (SUA), which then allocate the funds to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). These allocations are based on population size and are intended to support the planning, development, and coordination of in-home and community-based services for older adults. However, the SUA and the AAAs are restricted from providing direct OAA services, except by special permission. Key areas covered under Title III include:

4) Title IV – Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity: Title IV expands the knowledge and understanding of older adults, promotes innovative and best practices in programs and services, addresses the need for trained professionals in the field of aging, and raises awareness among all citizens about the importance of personal responsibility and longevity.

5) Title V – Community Service Senior Opportunities Act: Title V focuses on community service employment programs for older adults and established the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP provides job training and employment opportunities for low-income seniors aged 55 and older to empower older adults through meaningful work and community involvement.

6) Title VI – Grants for Native Americans: Title VI provides grants specifically for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian communities to support services for older adults, including nutrition, caregiving, and supportive services tailored to the unique needs of these populations.

7) Title VII – Allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities: Title VII focuses on protecting the rights of older adults, particularly those at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It includes the long-term care ombudsman program, elder abuse prevention, and legal assistance.

Older Americans Act