USAging is celebrating 50 years as the national organization that represents Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs at your local county. As part of the 50th anniversary, USAging has launched a new public awareness campaign called “Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong.”
Seniors Exercising
The goal of this campaign is to make the public aware of AAAs as a vital community resource and to educate consumers about the range of important services that AAAs offer to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. There are more than 600 AAAs serving every community across the country ready to help them to age well where most want—at home and in their community.
“Research has shown that two-thirds of older adults will need some support to age well at home,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “But people often don’t know about AAA services or seek them out until they are in crisis—thereby missing the opportunity to connect to the range of services that are available to help them age well. By 2035, older adults are expected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in the history of this country. By 2040, a full 22 percent of the American population will be 65 years or older. Currently, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. There has never been a more crucial time for people to learn about AAAs and the services that are available to them to help them live long and stay strong.”
Services provided by most AAAs for older adults:1) Home-delivered and congregate meals: Nutritious meals at home or in group settings, 2) In-home support: Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, cleaning and dressing, 3) Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, stores and community activities, 4) Health and wellness programs: Fall prevention, chronic disease management fitness classes, & 5) Benefits counseling: Help understanding and enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid and more. Services for caregivers include 1) Respite care: Short-term relief to prevent burnout, 2) Training and support: Educational tools and support groups for caregivers, & 3) Information and referral: Guidance to local programs, services, and community resources.
For more information, visit www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or connect with your local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.