Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 is a backbone of the aging network in the United States. It has helped to develop community-based services; and its focus is supporting the independence and dignity of older adults. The OAA programs only eligibility criteria is age 60 or over. There are no income guidelines; people are asked to pay what they can afford for the service.
The legislation established federal grants to states for community planning and social services, research and development projects and personnel training in the field of aging. The monies are award to local organizations by Area Agencies on Aging.
The Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) is the designated State Unit on Aging for Minnesota. In that role, MBA’s primary responsibility is the administration of Older Americans Act funding and programs to the over 1,000,000 Minnesota citizens who are age 60 and older. The Board also manages the Senior LinkAge Line®: One Stop Shop for Minnesota Older Adults.
In Minnesota, the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that provide the services, supports and information for just about everything that older adults and their families could need. Minnesota has seven AAAs across the state that are the local connections to older Minnesotans and the community support they need as they age.
Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is the designated area agency on aging for the 11-county region of Southeastern Minnesota, and was established in 1976 by the Minnesota Board on Aging. We receive Older Americans Act funds and state funds that are awarded to local service providers for community based programs for older people. It is a 501-C3 non-profit.
Service area includes the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
It is also known as the Region 10 Planning and service area. The office is located in Rochester.
