May is Older Americans Month: A Time to Celebrate — and Protect — the Services That Matter Most
Every May, we honor the older adults who have shaped our families, communities, and history. But this month is also a time to raise awareness of the critical support systems that help them live independently, safely, and with dignity.
At the heart of those services is the Older Americans Act (OAA) — landmark federal legislation passed in 1965 to ensure that older adults can age in place with the support they need. The OAA provides essential funding for many of the services you or your loved ones may already rely on, including:
- Meals on Wheels and Community Meals
- Transportation to medical appointments
- In-home services and personal care
- Caregiver support and respite
- Case management and long-term care planning
- Nutrition counseling and wellness programs
- Support for individuals facing elder abuse, isolation, or housing instability
These aren’t “extras” — they are lifelines.
But the Older Americans Act is not an entitlement. It is discretionary funding that must be approved by Congress each year, and it has not kept pace with the growing needs of our aging population.
This Older Americans Month, we ask our community to do more than celebrate.
Join us in protecting the programs that keep older Vermonters safe, nourished, and connected. These supports aren’t just good policy — they are a reflection of our values.
Together, we can ensure that aging is met with care, not cuts.
