Whether it’s a falls prevention program, a fitness class or help navigating the Medicaid benefits enrollment process, providing health and wellness programs to meet the needs of older adults is one of the cornerstones of what Area Agencies on Aging do every day in communities around the country. In observance of Health Aging Month and the upcoming Active Aging Week (October 6–12), USAging is raising awareness of AAA-provided health and wellness services and programs through its national campaign, Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong.
Older Adults
“Older adults have to navigate many factors that impact their ability to live well and independently,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “These include managing their own changing physical needs, staying engaged in their communities after retirement and caring for loved ones. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can be a trusted partner in figuring out where to find support with these new challenges. Far too many people do not know about AAAs and the role they play in connecting older adults to local resources that can help them live healthy lives where they want—at home.”
AAAs provide a wide variety of services and programs that assist older adults in staying well and healthy, including: 1) Health education and wellness classes, 2) Fall prevention and chronic disease self-management training, 3) Social engagement activities, 4) Integrational and other volunteering opportunities, 5) Help understanding and navigating benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits, 6) Home-delivered meals and meals in group settings, 7) Legal services, 8) Medical transportation support, & 9) Training and support for caregivers, including respite.
Consumers can learn more about the services provided by Area Agencies on Aging by visiting www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or can connect with a local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.