History
In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act to coordinate community-based programs for older citizens. Its objectives were to assist senior citizens in finding adequate housing, health services, dignified long-term institutional and in-home care and to act as an advocate for job opportunities. Amendments to the Act in 1972 increased its range to include a nutrition program for the elderly and in 1973 required states to establish Area Agencies on Aging to coordinate federal and state programs with local efforts. There are 650 AAA’s nationwide. Generations is one of the thirteen AAAs in Iowa that assist seniors in finding the services they need to age at home.
Generations and its programs are funded through a partnership of federal, state and local governments and private grants. Federal money is allocated through the Administration on Aging and, along with funds provided by the state, is funneled to the Iowa Area Agencies on Aging through the Iowa Department on Aging. Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties also allocate money to Generations and to area services. Many of the programs supported by the Area Agency on Aging supplement their funding with United Way and other local public and private funds.
