The U.S. House of Representatives this week voted unanimously to pass the Dignity in Aging Act, which reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) and increases funding for vital programs that help aging Americans live independently and with dignity.

The OAA currently serves approximately 11 million older Americans, including three million seniors who regularly rely on OAA programs to meet their most basic needs. Specifically, the bill:

• authorizes a 7 percent funding increase for OAA programs in the first year, then annual 6 percent hikes in the following years;
• establishes a National Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of HHS; and
• provides more tailored support to family caregivers who play a vital role in helping Americans maintain their independence as much as possible.

It also puts greater emphasis on addressing social isolation among seniors by empowering local organizations to test solutions.