LOA - Background

Background - The Older Americans Act
The Older Americans Act was passed in 1965, LOA receives the bulk of its funds through this legislation which declared that older Americans are entitled to:

adequate income in retirement
the best possible physical and mental health
suitable housing
opportunity for employment
retirement in health, honor and dignity
pursuit of meaningful civic, cultural and recreational activity
efficient community services
low cost transportation
freedom, independence and the free exercise of individual initiative

Amendments to the Act in 1973 introduced the concept of a network of aging agencies. The Act called for each Governor to designate a "state unit on aging" to receive and administer Older Americans Act funds. The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) designates "area agencies on aging" to receive these funds. LOA is one of 25 in the Commonwealth to be so designated.

The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (N4A)
The N4A is a supporting agency for 670 Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. N4A advocates for the Older Americans Act, federal legislation and budgets affecting seniors. To contact N4A call: (202) 296-8130

Eldercare Locator
The N4A administers a program call Eldercare Locator which is a public service of the U.S Administration on Aging established in 1991. The service is a toll-free 800 number for identifying the information and referral services provided by the local Area Agencies on Aging.
Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.

Virginia Association for Area Agencies on Aging (V4A)
The V4A was established in 1976 with the purpose of supporting Virginia's twenty-five Area Agencies on Aging through advocacy, communication, education and training services. The V4A administers the State Ombudsman Program. To contact V4A call: (804) 644-2804