En español | WASHINGTON—AARP Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Bill Sweeney released the following statement on the approval by the United States House of Representatives of H.R. 4334, the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019, which reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA).

“AARP applauds the House of Representatives for passing the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that extends the Older Americans Act (OAA) for five years and increases funding for its programs.

“For many older Americans, the key to being able to stay in their own homes and communities, where they want to be, is the dedication and commitment of family caregivers. An estimated 40 million family caregivers provide a staggering $470 billion annually in unpaid care to their loved ones—ranging from bathing and dressing to paying bills and transportation and assisting with complex medical/nursing tasks. By supporting family caregivers, we can help people live independently in their own homes, helping to delay or prevent more costly nursing home care and unnecessary hospitalizations.

“The Dignity in Aging Act addresses AARP’s family caregiving priorities, including further strengthening support for family caregivers, extending the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, and providing increased funding levels for OAA programs. OAA programs provide services like home-delivered meals, transportation, medical appointments, protection from elder abuse, and job training.

“We urge Congress to reauthorize OAA by the end of the year to help ensure the sustainability of OAA programs, so that our loved ones can continue to turn to these vital services for their health and economic security as they age.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact: Veronica Byrd, vbyrd@aarp.org, 202-434-2579, @AARPMedia