Seventy-seven percent of adults over 50 want to stay in their own home as they get older.
We celebrate Older Americans Month in May to honor older adults in Utah and nationwide. The theme this year, Age My Way, focuses on aging in place, the concept of living as independently as possible in our own homes as we age.
Aging in place can improve seniors’ quality of life in many ways, including potential for improved physical and mental health, a sense of stability by staying in their own community, and decreased costs in care. While aging in place has many benefits, many people require extra support in order to make this a reality.
The Older Americans Act, federal legislation passed in 1965, focuses on giving that extra support. It provides funding for a wide array of programs and services to help older adults continue to live independently. It also created a national aging network of federal, state, and local agencies to deliver these programs and services.
These independent living-focused services include:
● Nutrition services such as Meals on Wheels, meals at senior centers, and nutrition education and counseling
● National Family Caregiver Support Program
● Home and community-based services and supports
● Disease prevention and health promotion services
● Elder justice programs
If you, a loved one, a friend, or neighbor need any of these services or have questions about aging in place, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
To connect to your local Utah AAA, visit the Utah Aging and Adult Services website or call us at:
801-538-3910
Toll free: 1-877-4AGING0 (1-877-424-4640)
To connect to any one of more than 600 AAAs nationwide, visit eldercare.acl.gov.