A public or private nonprofit agency designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. Often known by its acronym AAA.
Deeper dive
AAA is a general term — names of local AAAs may vary. AAAs are primarily responsible for a geographic area, also known as a planning and service area (PSA), that is either a city, a single county, or a multi-county district. AAAs may be categorized as a county, city, regional planning council or council of governments, or as a private or nonprofit agency, according to the Administration for Community Living.
AAAs coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their homes (if that is their preference) aided by services such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of supports available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best.
The coalition of Area Agencies on Aging, USAging, represents and supports the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. They are active in advocacy/public policy efforts, programs and services which support an array of issues vital to helping older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers, such as the Community Care Corps., Dementia-friendly America, the Housing Resource Center, and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Network.