The age of the global population is shifting. Across the United States, a growing number of adults are 60 years of age or older. Sacramento County Senior and Adult Services (SAS) Division and Agency on Aging Area 4 are collaborating with community partners to ensure the well-being and quality of life for older adults in our community. Agency on Aging Area 4 is one of 33 area agencies on aging in California designated by the State to develop, coordinate, and fund programs designed to help older adults and people with disabilities maintain their health and independence.
Recent projections from California's Department of Finance show that by the year 2026, the number of people who are 60 years of age and older is poised to surpass the number of children for the first time. There are several new collaborative efforts geared towards strengthening support networks for older adults in Sacramento County. These efforts include but are not limited to:
The Senior Connection Program: A joint effort between SAS and the
Agency on Aging/Area 4 which provides people with access to essential resources and social engagement opportunities.
The Blue Zones Project: Sacramento County Public Health is partnering with Blue Zones, a global leader in longevity research. The project will include a comprehensive assessment of the County to establish dementia-friendly communities and promote overall well-being.
Nottoli Place: A shelter for older adults who are eligible for Sacramento County's Adult Protective Services (APS) and experiencing homelessness or housing instability. While at Nottoli Place, case management and housing services are provided.
WEAVE/Family Justice Center: A partnership to support domestic violence survivors. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring older individuals impacted by abuse from a partner or family member have access to the specialized care and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
The Career Pathways Program: A joint effort between In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority and the Career Pathways Program to address the critical need for trained caregivers. This program equips caregivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care to older adults.
Community Care Expansion (CCE) Preservation: A project funded by the California Department of Social Services and administered by Sacramento County to preserve licensed senior and adult residential facilities that serve lower-income older adults. Funding will assist eligible facilities with operating costs and/or costs related to major repairs or upgrades that may prevent facility closure or the reduction in the number of beds available to older adults.
Through these partnerships and the ongoing hard work of its dedicated staff, Sacramento County and the Agency on Aging / Area 4 are shaping a future where aging is synonymous with respect, care, and empowerment.
“It is because of our strong partnerships with Sacramento County that we've been able to expand and enhance the services we can provide to older adults and people with disabilities – from programs to connect aging adults to resources to helping them out of isolation through case management, access to technology, and meal delivery," says Pam Miller, Agency on Aging Area 4 Executive Director. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership to support our older adult population."
As we navigate the demographic shift, the County and Agency on Aging Area 4 remain dedicated to collaborating with and supporting all residents as they age.
