The Art of Aging is a feature we are launching to provide answers to questions that many of us have while growing older.
In the coming months, we'll be talking about the issues, opportunities and challenges that people encounter every day. We will take a look at topics that include finance, healthcare and leisure activities.
We would like to start by providing a place where you can find links to organizations that provide help, in all of these areas.
There are thousands of people and agencies that can help Pennsylvanians as they age, and finding them can sometimes be a challenge. Take a look at the list below for further information.
Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging
Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are your source of information for the issues and concerns affecting older people and their caregivers. Specific services at each agency vary throughout the state, but each agency offers a wide array of programs to help older Pennsylvanians and their families get the help and information they need.
Meals on Wheels Program Locator
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest national organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 U.S. states, as well as the U.S. Territories. These local programs are our Members. All told, there are some 5,000 local Senior Nutrition Programs in the United States. These programs provide well over one million meals to seniors who need them each day. Some programs serve meals at congregate locations like senior centers, some programs deliver meals directly to the homes of seniors whose mobility is limited, and many programs provide both services.
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance is a state-administered health program for low-income people. Click here for information about Medical Assistance Eligibility.
Medicare
Medicare provides health insurance coverage to individuals age 65 and older and to certain people with disabilities. Click here to see if you are eligible for Medicare.
APPRISE
APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help older Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can answer your questions about Medicare and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.
PA Department of Aging
Our mission: "Enhancing the quality of life of all older Pennsylvanians by empowering diverse communities, the family and the individual."
ACL - Administration of Communal Living
All Americans - including people with disabilities and older adults - should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions. To help meet these needs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Administration of Aging (Federal)
For over 35 years, the AoA has provided home and community-based services to millions of older persons through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act. You may have heard about our home-delivered meals programs or nutrition services in congregate settings, or transportation, adult day care, legal assistance or health promotion programs. If you have visited a nursing home, you may have talked to one of our Ombudsmen, who provide an on-going presence in long-term care facilities, monitoring care and conditions and providing a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves.