Older Americans Act @ 60: A Collective Commitment to Aging with Dignity
Ramsey Alwin
National Nonprofit CEO | Policy & Social Impact Strategy Executive ➡️ Championing an Economy that Works for All
Aging well is not a solo journey—it’s a shared societal commitment. It requires systems, communities, and policies working together across the lifespan to ensure that every person can age with dignity, purpose, and connection.
At the National Council on Aging , we believe aging with dignity must be a right, not a reward for privilege. We’re on a mission to create the conditions for all people to age well—today and into the future.
Too many Americans are aging into isolation, poverty, and invisibility. As noted in The NonProfit Times, dignity is tied not just to financial security, but also to our ability to connect, contribute, and belong. When those are lost, we lose more than income—we lose agency.
But when we recognize that aging isn't meant to be a DIY experience—and we invest in connection—we gain so much in return: more birthdays celebrated, more bedtime stories shared, more joy woven into everyday life. Isn't that what we all want?
One powerful, often-unsung law has made this vision more possible for millions: the Older Americans Act (OAA). And today, it turns 60.
Since 1965, the OAA has helped older adults stay connected and independent in the places they call home. Each year, it supports more than 14 million people—about 1 in 6 older Americans—with services like meals, transportation, in-home care, job training, senior center programming, and caregiver support. That adds up to:
These programs and so many more are delivered through a strong aging services network of 56 state units on aging, 291 tribal organizations, 600+ area agencies, 20,000+ providers, including senior centers, and 80,000+ volunteers. It’s a profound, enduring investment in older adults—and in all of us.
As the OAA reaches its own eligibility milestone, let’s celebrate by recommitting to policies and partnerships that help every person thrive as they age. That means fully funding the OAA and engaging all sectors to help create the conditions for aging well.
To age with dignity is to live with purpose, connection, and choice.
Let’s make that possible—for everyone.