our History

In 1979 an Oklahoma Legislative interim public hearing documented major problems in nursing homes. During these hearings, stories of problems in some nursing homes and tragic experiences of some residents were presented and it was perceived by many that state laws and regulations relating to nursing homes were inadequate.

As a result, a coalition of some 100 individuals and 30 organizations came together in 1980 as the “OKLAHOMA ALLIANCE ON AGING” to push for passage of a comprehensive Nursing Home Care Act to address such issues.

Despite bitter opposition of the nursing home industry, refusal in one committee to the bill, and the transfer of the bill to another committee before it reached the House of Representatives, the bill passed the House with one dissenting vote on Senior Day at the Capitol. Subsequently the bill passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, and was signed into law by Governor George Nigh. The law includes sections on resident rights and Long Term Care Ombudsman. The authors were Representative Don McCorkle and Senator Bernest Cain of the Senate.

The Alliance on Aging incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1983.

Initial members were Area Aging Agencies, AARP Oklahoma, and a diversity of individuals and organizations throughout the state. The present “OAP” – Oklahoma Aging Partnership now includes Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association, Oklahoma State Council on Aging, and individual members and organizations.

The first president of the Alliance on Aging was the executive director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches followed by Vivian Smith, who had become involved in senior issues in 1973 as a founding board member of the Daily Living Centers in Oklahoma City.

On February 19, 1986, Oklahoma Governor George Nigh signed a proclamation proclaiming that, “needs of older citizens are a key element in the planning of State policies for the future; that participation of older people in decision-making shall be sought and recognized for its special value; and that continuing efforts to assure quality of life for our senior citizens shall be among our foremost priorities.”

We have one paid part-time executive director. All advocacy work is done by our dedicated volunteers.

In 2025, we marked 45 years of advocating for older Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Alliance on Aging is still a non-profit, tax exempt 501 (c)(3), non-partisan coalition committed to the welfare of older Oklahomans. We educate on issues and advocate for solutions.

We strive for a future where older Oklahomans receive the care, respect, and opportunity to age with optimal health and dignity.

We envision an Oklahoma where older adults thrive, supported by strong policies, empowered communities, and a collective voice advocating for their dignity and well-being.

We focus on monitoring legislation and advocating for policies and programs that protect and benefit older Oklahomans. In doing so, we help older Oklahomans, including those who cannot advocate for themselves, have a voice at the Capitol. 

Our mission is to identify needs of aging Oklahomans, to educate on issues, and to advocate for solutions.