By Christine Vanlandingham
Most of us want the same thing as we grow older: to remain in our own homes, connected to our communities, with dignity and independence intact. We want help when we need it — without giving up autonomy, dignity, or the ability to live at home.
For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has quietly made that possible for millions of older adults and family caregivers across the country. It is the backbone of many local services people rely on every day, even if they don’t always know the law by name.
Through the Older Americans Act, communities provide transportation to medical appointments, help with daily activities, caregiver respite and support, evidence-based health programs, advocacy for some of our most vulnerable neighbors, and — yes — nutrition support. These services do more than improve quality of life; they often delay or prevent the need for Medicaid-funded long-term care, saving taxpayer dollars while honoring people’s strong preference to age at home.
An Expired Promise
What many people don’t realize is that the Older Americans Act was last reauthorized in 2020, and that authorization expired in September 2024.
In 2024, Congress came close to fixing that. Lawmakers from both parties, in both chambers, negotiated and advanced the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024. The bill passed the U.S. Senate and was widely expected to move through the House and on to the President’s desk.
But during negotiations over a must-pass federal funding bill in December 2024, the Older Americans Act was removed at the last minute, leaving this cornerstone law stalled once again.
This wasn’t because of disagreement over the value of the Act. Support remains bipartisan and broad. Instead, older adults and caregivers were caught in the crosscurrents of congressional gridlock.
Why This Matters in Southwest Michigan
Here in southwest Michigan, the Older Americans Act is not an abstract federal policy. It is the infrastructure that helps older adults remain stable, independent, and connected in their own homes. It supports caregivers before exhaustion turns into crisis, helps people stay informed and engaged, and ensures that assistance is available when everyday challenges begin to pile up — often long before a situation becomes an emergency.
As CEO of the local Area Agency on Aging, I see every day how these services stabilize lives and families. They reduce avoidable hospitalizations, support family caregivers, and help stretch limited public resources by keeping people in the community rather than in institutional care.
This work is carried out by a large network of trusted local organizations, staffed by people who know their communities and respond flexibly to local needs. The Older Americans Act makes that possible.
A Unique Moment — and a Responsibility
This moment is especially consequential.
This week, I was in Washington, D.C., speaking directly with members of Congress and committee staff responsible for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Those conversations reinforced two important truths: there is strong, bipartisan agreement on the importance of this law, and there is real urgency to move it forward now.
I also heard clearly that momentum matters. While policy details are largely settled, the question before Congress is whether there is sufficient pressure to act. Committee leaders are listening closely to their constituents, particularly those represented on the committees with jurisdiction over the Older Americans Act.
Our region has a unique role to play in that effort.
Representative Tim Walberg, who represents much of southwest and south-central Michigan, chairs the House committee with jurisdiction over the Older Americans Act. For months, he has voiced support for reauthorizing this landmark law. At the same time, he has indicated that moving the bill forward will require clear and unified support from House Republicans before it advances out of committee.
That reality places a particular responsibility — and opportunity — with constituents here at home.
Support alone is not enough. Without momentum, the Older Americans Act remains expired, and communities like ours continue to operate under uncertainty, even as the population ages and demand for services grows.
What You Can Do — Right Now
If you live in parts of Berrien County represented by Chairman Walberg, I urge you to call his office and let him know that reauthorizing the Older Americans Act must move forward now.
And if you are represented by another member of Congress, your voice matters just as much. Urge your representative to support reauthorization — and to communicate that support directly to Chairman Walberg so the bill can advance.
Members of Congress pay attention when they hear directly and repeatedly from their constituents. Calls matter. And right now, silence carries consequences.
For six decades, the Older Americans Act has reflected our shared values: independence, respect, and community. Let’s make sure that promise continues — for our parents, our neighbors, and one day, for ourselves.
How to Contact Your Member of Congress
Southwest Michigan is represented by two U.S. House members, depending on where you live.
If you live in Michigan’s 5th Congressional District (including parts of Berrien, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo counties and all of Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, St. Joseph counties)
Representative Tim Walberg Chair, House Education and Workforce Committee
- Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-6276
- Website: https://walberg.house.gov/contact
If you live in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District (including all of Van Buren County and other parts of Berrien County, as well as Allegan County and portions of Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties)
Representative Bill Huizenga
- Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-4401
- Website: https://huizenga.house.gov/contact
If you are unsure who represents you in Congress, you can quickly find your U.S. House member and their contact information by visiting: www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
A brief phone call or message expressing support for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act can make a real difference. Members of Congress pay close attention to what they hear from constituents — especially right now.
Christine Vanlandingham is CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call (800) 654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org to learn more and get connected to the support you deserve. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.