Your Voice Matters: Shaping the Future of Aging with Input on the Older Americans Act

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • July 31, 2023

Comments taken until 11:59 PM on August 15, 2023.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has taken a meaningful step towards enhancing the lives of older Americans by proposing significant updates to the regulations governing the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. With its roots dating back more than 30 years, this first significant overhaul seeks to address emerging issues and clarify various requirements to better serve our aging population. By soliciting public input, the ACL aims to build a stronger foundation for the national aging network and improve the implementation of OAA services, ultimately leading to a brighter future for our elders.


To view proposed updates, visit www.acl.gov/OAArule. To submit input, visit www.regulations.gov and click the blue "comment" button on the left.


The Older Americans Act has played a vital role in promoting the well-being of senior citizens since its inception in 1965. Over the years, the landscape of aging in America has evolved significantly, presenting new challenges and opportunities. The proposed rule aims to adapt to these changing dynamics and ensure our elders receive the utmost support.


One of the primary objectives of this update is to better support the national aging network that delivers OAA services. The proposed rule seeks to create a more efficient and effective system by clarifying requirements and streamlining processes. This enhancement will strengthen the network's ability to meet the needs of older adults' needs and foster collaboration between agencies and organizations involved in providing these vital services.


Furthermore, the proposed updates aim to enhance program implementation. By incorporating the latest knowledge and best practices, the ACL can ensure that OAA programs align with the current understanding of aging-related challenges. This will result in more targeted and impactful interventions catering to the diverse needs of seniors nationwide.


The ultimate goal of these proposed updates is to improve the overall quality of life for older adults. By considering the valuable input from the public and stakeholders, the ACL can create a more comprehensive and inclusive framework. This approach ensures that seniors have access to a wide range of services, such as nutrition programs, health services, community support, and assistance for caregivers.


It is crucial for all stakeholders, including individuals, families, caregivers, and service providers, to participate in the feedback process actively. By sharing their perspectives and experiences, they can help shape a more compassionate and responsive system that truly reflects the needs of our elder community.


The August 15, 2023, deadline for public comments underscores the urgency of this matter. The sooner the public provides their feedback, the sooner we can implement these vital updates and start making a difference in the lives of our elders. It is an opportunity for all of us to create a brighter future for older Americans.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Champion Your Health poster with older adult holding a child on a purple background

Area Agency on Aging to Host Three Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
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