Celebrate 50 Years of Older Americans Act

Milwaukee area residents are invited to celebrate the 50 ^th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) with a free program and resource fair on Friday, Dec. 4, in Milwaukee.

The free event – titled “Get into the Act” – is presented by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging. It will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wilson Park Senior Center, 2601 West Howard Ave and feature an afternoon of education, advocacy and celebration of the OAA, which was signed into law in 1965.

The history and legislative impact of the act will be provided as part of the event. Additionally, AARP Wisconsin’s top volunteer award – the 2015 Andrus Award for Community Service – will be presented to this year’s honoree, David Hoffman of Milwaukee.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with more than 40 vendors that provide services and products for older adults. Refreshments will be available. Pre-registration is preferred and can be made by calling 414-289-6640.

The event is co-sponsored by AARP Wisconsin, 50 Plus Magazine and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association.

The Older Americans Act provides critical services, such as home-delivered and congregate meals, family caregiver support, in-home assistance, preventive health services, transportation, job training, protection from abuse, and other supportive services, that help about 11 million older adults stay as independent as possible.