The Aging Report
Support the Re-Authorization of the Older Americans Act
Since its inception in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has been the cornerstone of the nation’s home and community-based service system which supports older Americans ability to live at home and in the community with dignity and independence for as long as possible. The current law expires at the end of September, which means that Congress will update the Older Americans Act to ensure that these critical programs supporting older adults and caregivers continue in Illinois and around the country!
By supporting home and community-based services, the OAA helps many older adults avoid the more costly care of institutional settings paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. It is crucial that Congress authorize the Older Americans Act because by 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65. Demographics demand and must drive federal focus on policies that support older adults and their caregivers. Congress must act on the Older Americans Act before October 1, 2019.
 
Enabling aging in place should be a national commitment, in fact both Democrat and Republican lawmakers have shown support of aging in place as an important policy goal for our country. Achieving it, however, requires that policymakers address significant challenges and seize new opportunities that promote health and independence as people age. Fostering a society in which aging at home and in the community is not only the collective desire but also the national expectation requires us to recognize, protect and bolster the Older Americans Act upon which this goal was built. 
Programs Funded Under the Older Americans Act
The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes a range of services and supports that help older Americans remain as independent and productive as possible in their own homes and communities. The OAA established Area Agencies on Aging to provide funding for services including:

  • Information & Assistance
  • Home-Delivered Meals
  • Transportation
  • Family Caregiver Support and Respite
  • Senior Center Programs
  • Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
  • Adult Protective Services
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • And so much more
How Can You Help?
At AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, we are advocating for these programs alongside our national champions in Washington, DC, and working to ensure that federal lawmakers understand how important OAA is to their constituents quality of life. However, we need YOU to help make our voices stronger! Please take a few moments to contact your elected officials to share your OAA story and educate them about the many ways these vital OAA services help older adults and caregivers in your community.
How to Take Action:

  1. Contact your Senators and Representatives now to share your OAA story. If you are unsure who your representatives are, click here for information on representatives in your district. Make sure to add details about the effect these programs have had on you and others in our community.
  2. Put Your Requests in Writing. If you can, put your requests in writing via the websites of your Senators and Representative(s). You can access their websites using the link above. If you are unsure what to say, you can use the language in the sample script below, but make sure to include your personal experiences about these programs.
  3. Reach out on Social Media. Contact your Senators and Representative(s) on Facebook and/or Twitter to share your support for the OAA and any short stories or pictures! Remember to keep your messages positive and respectful!
  4. Make A Few Short Phone Calls. If you’d rather call than write our lawmakers (or feel free to do both!), this is an easy way to be heard! You can call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach DC offices, or look up the district office phone numbers on their websites. 

For more information, contact AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois at (630) 293-5990 or visit our website at www.ageguide.org . 

Join Us As We Celebrate
Illinois' 200th Birthday!
Our Senior Lifestyle Expo will be held on Tuesday, August 20 & Wednesday, August 21 from 9 AM to 2 PM at Drury Lane! Tickets are $3 at the door.

There are so many things to do during our two-day Expo, you are certain to make many memories and gather important information. Attend an   Educational Seminar , stroll over to the   Entertainment Stage   for music and more, receive screenings and other important   Health and Wellness information, be dazzled by innovation at the Tech Connect Ballroom, and visit more than 130  exhibitors .

We are continuing our mission to bring seniors together with the products and services that are invaluable to maintaining their quality of life.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Illinois’ Bicentennial, so we will be highlighting our local resources and  activities .

Questions? Contact us at (630) 293-5990

For more information, visit us at  www.SeniorLifestyleExpo.org
FREE Caregiver Seminar featuring Erasing the Distance
Join us for a FREE Caregiver Seminar on Tuesday, August 20 from 6-9 PM at Drury Lane!

Erasing the Distance is a non-profit organization based in Chicago that uses the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health.
The seminar will feature a performance of three stories that explore the intersection of aging, caretaking and mental health.

This performance will be followed by a panel discussion from Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) regarding caregiving counseling programs and support programs that are available.
10:45 AM - 3:00 PM

Food Tastings • Wine • Beer • Live Auction • Silent Auction • Raffles • And more!

For more information about sponsoring or donating to the Brunch, contact Kaitie Hauser at (630) 293-5990 or visit www.ageguide.org/events
The Agency on Aging Northeastern Illinois was established in 1974. Services funded or coordinated by the Agency on Aging meet the diverse needs of the most rapidly growing population in Illinois. Over 681,000 seniors age 60 and over live in the agency's eight-county service area:

DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties

Agency on Aging | 630-293-5990 |  [email protected]  |  http://www.ageguide.org
P.O. Box 809
Kankakee, IL 60901-0809

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