Area Agencies on Aging were established through the Older Americans Act to facilitate and support programs that address the needs of older adults. Community planning is one of several mandated functions that these agencies are required to perform. Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) utilizes a variety of planning tools to meet these needs.

Did you know that North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for the number of people 65 and older? By 2025, one in five NC residents will be 65+. In addition, the CDC estimates that one out of every four Americans has a disability, defined as a significant limitation to one or more major life activities.

In addition to addressing known community issues, the initiative took a holistic approach to educate and empower the community to become advocates for themselves. These are a few steps Vincent Wong and the association took to foster a model of shared governance.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of a major milestone in our nation’s history, the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has developed a LGBT cultural competency training program called Pride in Care NC thanks to a Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Civil Money Penalty grant.

Launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the mistreatment of older persons.

In March when our state was considering a stay-at-home order, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the state of North Carolina canceled all in-person workshops.

For 57 years, Older Americans Month has been a special time to recognize the contributions these individuals made to our country.

Shirley Wiggins serves as a volunteer with Centralina Area Agency on Aging with the Senior Tar Heel Legislators (STHL) and the Region F Aging Advisory Committee.