2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25106881D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 633

Offered February 11, 2025

Commending the passage of the Older Americans Act.

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Patrons—Hope, Clark, Cole, Green, Keys-Gamarra, Lopez, Martinez, McClure, McQuinn, Owen, Rasoul, Ware and Watts; Senators: Diggs, Ebbin, Head, Rouse, Salim, Srinivasan and Williams Graves

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WHEREAS, the Older Americans Act was signed into law on July 14, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson to address the unique needs of the aging population in the United States, ensuring that older adults have access to necessary services and supports to maintain their independence, health, and dignity; and

WHEREAS, the Older Americans Act (OAA) established a framework for community-based programs and services that support older adults, including nutrition programs, caregiver support, senior centers, transportation, and protective services; and

WHEREAS, the OAA was a pioneering effort to address the social, economic, and health needs of older Americans, marking a significant shift toward a national commitment to the well-being of older adults; and

WHEREAS, over the past decades, the OAA has significantly improved the lives of millions of older adults, expanding access to essential services, promoting the importance of aging with dignity, and encouraging communities to adapt to the changing demographic landscape; and

WHEREAS, the OAA has been reauthorized and strengthened over the years, adapting to meet the evolving needs of an aging population, promoting economic security, access to health care, and social inclusion for older adults; and

WHEREAS, the OAA has fostered collaborations between federal, state, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and community leaders, to ensure that the needs of older Americans continue to be met, while also encouraging the involvement of older adults in their communities; and

WHEREAS, the OAA's programs have not only helped improve the quality of life for older adults but have also made significant contributions to the overall well-being of families, communities, and society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, generations of Virginians have supported policies and initiatives that promote the welfare of older Americans and strengthen the programs and services established by the Older Americans Act; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the passage of the Older Americans Act on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Commonwealth Council on Aging as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the accomplishments borne from the Older Americans Act, with the hope that future generations of older adults may benefit from the same opportunities for well-being, security, and community participation.