50+ Lifestyles

Older Americans Act Turns 60: A Lifeline for Iowa’s Aging Population

By Milestones Area Agency on Aging

This July 2025 marked the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA), a landmark piece of legislation that laid the foundation for aging services in the United States. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 14, 1965, the OAA was created to address the growing needs of older adults—particularly those at risk of isolation, poor health, or loss of independence.

The act established a national network of Area Agencies on Aging, which coordinate and deliver services that help people remain in their homes and communities as they age. In Southeastern Iowa, Milestones Area Agency on Aging is one of six such agencies serving the state. Covering 17 counties, Milestones provides programs funded through the OAA, including home-delivered meals, community dining sites, caregiver support, transportation access, and case management for older Iowans and adults with disabilities.

“The OAA isn’t just a policy—it’s a framework that allows us to serve thousands of older Iowans with programs that improve health, reduce isolation, and promote independence,” said Devin Hansen, Marketing and Communications Manager at Milestones Area Agency on Aging.

The need for these services continues to grow. According to the U.S. Administration for Community Living, OAA-funded programs served nearly 11 million older adults nationwide in 2022. In the Milestones service area, roughly 275,000 meals were served in 2024.

As the act turns 60, its reach is still evident. Milestones’ services touch lives in cities like Davenport and Ottumwa, as well as in small towns and rural communities across its region. Whether through a friendly visit, a warm meal, or help navigating long-term care options, the OAA continues to support aging with dignity.

For sixty years, the Older Americans Act has been a vital part of the nation’s commitment to its aging population—ensuring that growing older doesn’t mean going it alone.

To learn more about the OAA and its impact on our communities, visit MilestonesAAA.org.