Diane Slezak is the President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging as well as the CEO and President of AgeOptions
Caregiving is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. The opinions expressed in this op-ed article are the author’s own.
Speak up during a day of action to protect our future
Imagine any of the following scenarios: Your aging parent lives alone but receives daily hot meals through a local senior nutrition program. Your neighbor, a full-time caregiver to his wife with dementia, finally got a break thanks to respite care services. A friend noticed neglect in her mother’s nursing home and found help through the long-term care ombudsman.
Now imagine all of that disappearing.
That’s the devastating reality we face if proposed federal cuts to the Older Americans Act (OAA) become law.
On May 28, 2025, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, aging service providers, caregivers, older adults, and advocates across Illinois will come together for a Day of Action to tell Congress: Don’t Blow Out the Candles on the Older Americans Act.
Why this matters — to all of us
The Older Americans Act isn’t just about aging services. It’s about our shared future — yours, mine, our parents’, our partners’, our clients’ and patients’, and our own.
The OAA has funded critical services for decades — from home-delivered meals and transportation to caregiver support and healthy aging programs. In 2024 alone, OAA programs served more than 471,000 Illinoisans. These are not abstract statistics; they represent real people — patients in your clinics, loved ones in your communities, and neighbors aging with dignity.
But earlier this year, leaked budget documents from the Trump Administration suggested massive cuts to this foundational legislation. If these cuts move forward, programs across the state — including falls prevention, evidence-based health programs, respite care, the long-term care ombudsman, and adult protective services — are all at risk.
As Illinois’ older adult population continues to grow, slashing this funding would be catastrophic.
A system under siege
Area Agencies on Aging, including the 13 that cover the state of Illinois, have already begun to feel the strain. The threat of funding reductions has created uncertainty for providers and instability for those who rely on services daily.
“As a geriatrician, I see firsthand the value of these programs,” says Stephen Hermes, MD, an internal medicine doctor who treats older adults. “OAA-funded services are an extension of our clinical care. They keep people safe, fed, connected, and well. Without them, we’re looking at more ER visits, faster cognitive decline, and an overwhelmed healthcare system.”
Whether you’re a caregiver doing the emotional and physical labor of looking after a loved one, a clinician working to prevent hospitalizations, or a policymaker trying to stretch every dollar — the OAA matters.
Call to Action: May 28, 2025
That’s why the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging (I4A) is organizing a statewide Day of Action. From Lombard to Carbondale, all 13 Area Agencies on Aging and their local partners will host events to raise awareness, build momentum, and mobilize support.
We are calling on:
- Caregivers to share your stories
- Doctors and nurses to amplify the impact you see in your patients’ lives
- Community members and older adults to show up and speak out
- Elected officials to commit to preserving these essential services
“These aren’t line items — they’re lifelines,” said Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide. “Cutting them isn’t an option.”
How to Get Involved
1. Attend a day-of-action event
Events will take place in cities and towns across the state, with activities ranging from rallies to roundtables to community fairs. Find an event near you.
2. Call your legislator
Tell your members of Congress: Fully fund the Older Americans Act, and reject any proposal that undermines the health, dignity, and independence of older adults.
3. Spread the word
Share on social media using the hashtag #DontBlowOutTheCandles. Post stories about how OAA-funded services have touched your life or the lives of your loved ones.
4. Write a letter or op-ed
Use your voice — as a caregiver, a professional, or simply someone who values a society that cares for its aging members — to advocate publicly.
Let’s Be Clear: This Is About All of Us
Today’s caregivers are tomorrow’s care recipients. The way we treat older adults is a reflection of who we are as a society — and a preview of the future we are building for ourselves. Let’s make that future one of compassion, connection, and care — not cuts.
Join us on May 28. Raise your voice. Protect the Older Americans Act. Because growing older should be a promise — not a problem.
DAY OF ACTION DETAILS
What: Don’t Blow Out the Candles on the Older Americans Act – Day of Action
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Where: Across Illinois – find an event
Why: To preserve and protect essential services for older adults and their caregivers. Together, we can make sure the candles stay lit — not just for today’s older adults, but for generations to come.
