« Back to Glossary Index
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are like helpful guides for older adults. They’re local groups that connect seniors with all sorts of services to help them live well. Think of them as a one-stop shop for everything from meals to rides to friendly visits.
Key Features:
- Local Focus: AAAs work in your own town or region.
- Wide Range of Services: They help with meals, rides, home help, and more.
- Information Hub: They give you info on all the services you can use.
- Caregiver Support: They help people who care for older adults.
- Advocacy: They speak up for seniors and their needs.
- Ombudsman Programs: They help those in long term care facilities.
Who AAAs Help:
- Older adults who want to stay in their homes.
- People who need help with daily tasks.
- Caregivers who need support.
- Anyone who wants to learn about senior services.
The Misconception: AAAs are Just “Places That Give Out Free Meals” and “Only Help Really Poor Seniors.”
The Interesting Angle: AAAs are Like “Community Navigators for Thriving in Your Golden Years” – It’s About Empowering Seniors to Live Full and Independent Lives, Not Just Providing Basic Needs, and It’s About Building a Network of Support and Connection, Not Just Handing Out Services!
Here’s how we break it down:
- The Common Misunderstanding:
- People often think AAAs only provide food and that they only help seniors with very low incomes.
- The Real Story: Community Navigators for Thriving in Your Golden Years
- Think of AAAs as a way to:
- Empower seniors to stay active and engaged: They help people find activities and resources to stay connected to their community.
- Build a network of support: They connect seniors with other people and organizations that can help them.
- Help seniors plan for the future: They provide information and resources to help seniors make informed decisions about their care.
- It is about the empowerment of seniors, not just the supplying of goods.
- It is about building a social network, not just providing isolated services.
- It is about the future and present, not just the now.
- Think of AAAs as a way to:
- Why This is Powerful:
- It changes the idea from “basic needs” to “empowering lives.”
- It shows that AAAs are about more than just giving things away.
- It helps people see the importance of community and connection.
- The “Get it Wrong” Factor:
- People think it’s just meals, but it includes rides, home help, and more.
- They think it’s only for poor seniors, but it helps anyone over a certain age.
- They think it is only about services, and not about building community.
Why AAAs Are Important:
- Help seniors stay independent.
- Reduce loneliness and isolation.
- Provide access to healthcare and other services.
- Support caregivers.
- Advocate for seniors’ rights.
How to Find Your Local AAA:
- Eldercare Locator:
- This website helps you find your local AAA.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- Online Search:
- Search for “Area Agency on Aging” and your city or state.
- State Government Websites:
- Your state’s website may have a list of AAAs.
Resources:
- Eldercare Locator:
- Helps find local services and resources for older adults, including AAAs.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- USAging:
- Represents AAAs and provides information on aging services.
- Information can be found at the USAging website.
- National Council on Aging (NCOA):
- Offers resources and programs to support older adults.
- Link: https://www.ncoa.org/
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- Provides information and resources on aging and community services.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/
- Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):
- They can provide local resources, and information regarding local programs.
- Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/