Seniors Council Chair Steve Regenstreif and DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement: 

“Every American looks forward to being able to age with dignity and security. Fifty-five years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law to help achieve that goal. Along with Social Security and Medicare, it has kept seniors out of poverty, improved their health, and allowed them to remain as active participants in their own communities.

“For more than five decades, the Older Americans Act has identified and addressed the needs of seniors and their families. It works to end hunger through Meals on Wheels and other nutritional programs. It supports family caregivers and those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. The OAA provides job training, transportation, and health promotion services. It promotes elder justice as well as financial counseling to guard against abuse. Importantly, it recognizes the need for local aging services that can meet on-the-ground and emerging needs – from the special problems confronting seniors of color to the challenges facing rural seniors to the growth in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren.

“With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, there has never been a greater need for ensuring that older Americans have the tools they need to live independently and safely. That is why we must elect Joe Biden in November. He respects and will fight for those who have spent their lives building our country, wearing our nation’s uniform, and raising our families. Just as he has put forward bold solutions to protect seniors especially vulnerable from COVID-19 pandemic, he has proposed measures to improve the economic and social well-being of older Americans. Joe Biden will fight for older Americans every day. He is a man of courage and empathy, experience and character. And he is the leader we need at this critical moment in our history.”