IL SR0618

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and recognizes its contributions to improving economic well-being and quality of life for millions of older Americans over the past 50 years.

Acknowledges the aging network established by the Act, including 13 Illinois Area Agencies on Aging collaborating with 179 provider agencies to deliver services such as home-delivered meals, transportation, legal assistance, and health promotion programs.

Notes that Illinois Area Agencies on Aging will serve an estimated 515,700 persons age 60 and over (22% of Illinois's 2.3 million seniors) in Fiscal Year 2015, providing home and community-based services to help older adults avoid institutionalization and hospital readmissions.

Affirms Illinois Senate support for the primary goals of the Older Americans Act, which focus on maintaining dignity and promoting independence for older Illinoisans.

Urges Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act without delay and with adequate funding to meet the growing population of Americans who benefit from its programs and services.