DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Seniors Council Chair Steve Regenstreif released the following statement on the 56th anniversary of the Older Americans Act:

“All Americans deserve to age with grace and respect. The Older Americans Act, signed into law 56 years ago today by President Lyndon B. Johnson, helped make this principle a reality by ensuring that older adults are given equal opportunity to the full and free enjoyment of adequate income in retirement, protection against neglect and exploitation, access to health care without regard to economic status, and readily available community social services. 

“President Biden and Democrats recognize the responsibility of fighting to give our older generations the resources and benefits necessary to support themselves. The American Rescue Plan put the needs of older adults at the forefront of the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and added $1.4 billion in funding for programs authorized under the Older Americans Act. That increased funding will put more meals on tables, expand home and community-based services, help family caregivers support their loved ones, and contribute to safeguarding the health and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities. 

“Today, we celebrate the life-changing achievements of the Older Americans Act and recommit ourselves to the continued work of ensuring our elders, who have built our homes, protected our freedom, and continue to guide us with their wisdom, can retire and age with the dignity and security they have earned.”