Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging: Quick Facts

In Virginia, AAAs are local nonprofits, community service boards, and government agencies established to support adults as they age. Virginia has a vibrant network of local AAAs that can adapt to meet regional and individual needs. Together, AAAs help older adults across Virginia stay healthy, active, and living independently in their communities for as long as they choose to.

Virginia has a network of 25 AAAs that primarily serve individuals ages 60 and older. Programs and services vary across the state, but generally meet needs in the areas of: Supportive Services, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Caregiver Support, and Elder Rights.

People surrounded by supports.

What Do AAAs Do?

All AAAs fulfil the following core functions:

  • Provide a portal to care for older adults and their caregivers. 
  • Educate and connect people with available services community resources.
  • Plan, develop and fund programs that respond to local needs and fill service gaps.
  • Advocate on behalf of older adults and caregivers for new programs, funds for existing programs, and public policies that benefit the elderly. 
  • Serve as responsible fiscal stewards by maximizing the use of public and private funding to serve as many aging Virginians as possible. 

AAA Core Programs Image

Different AAAs offer a variety of programs based on local needs. Core programs you will find at every Virginia Area Agency on Aging include: 

  • Options Counseling
  • Transportation
  • Care Coordination
  • Disease Prevention
  • Elder Abuse Prevention/Ombudsman
  • Information and Referral/Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
  • Nutrition Services
    • Congregate Meals
    • Home Delivered Meals
    • Nutrition Education
    • Nutrition Counseling 

Use the Explore My Community tool to find more programs and services at your local Area Agency on Aging.

AAAs were established in 1974 by the federal Older Americans Act (OAA). No two AAAs are exactly alike because the OAA allows for local control and decision making. While AAAs vary widely in size and services, all of them play a key role in planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering a wide range of long-term services and supports.
 

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) oversees 25 regional Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The mission of DARS is to improve the employment, quality of life, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.