Providers recently praised a House committee’s passage of the Senior Independence Act of 2006. The legislation (H.R. 5293) would reauthorize and update the Older Americans Act.

The Older Americans Act, which is more than 40 years old, provides options such as adult day care, Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs, transportation support, senior centers and programs that help seniors stay more independent.

Larry Minnix, president and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, urged the full House to pass the act. He also recommended the Senate to accelerate its review of the Older Americans Act.