With our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration upon us, it seems fitting to explore one historical milestone that helped build communities where all Americans can age well: the establishment of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
In 1973, Congress amended the Older Americans Act to create AAAs, which serve adults age 60 and older by supporting healthy aging and independent living through a wide range of programs and services.
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), the local AAA for planning district 6, empowers adults 60 and over with the resources and opportunities they need to lead engaged lives. Headquartered in Waynesboro, VPAS serves older adults and caregivers throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley, including Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham Counties and the cities located within those localities.
A neighbor once wrote: “VPAS staff are part of the little chain of people that make my life possible.” VPAS provides case management, group and home delivered meals, senior transportation, caregiver support, emergency services and many other programs designed to help people age in place successfully. This work is important because, according to a 2021 AARP study, more than three-quarters of adults in their 50s want to remain in their homes as they age.
Often more affordable than long-term care facilities, aging in place offers many benefits. Living at home allows older adults to maintain their connection to the communities they love. It creates opportunities for more intergenerational bonding, and can increase emotional fulfillment and sense of well-being. Living independently allows adults to continue enjoying what they value on their own terms, preserving independence, dignity and purpose.
VPAS is committed to being an organization where all are welcome. While voluntary donations help VPAS support the increasing number of older adults in our region, there is no cost to participate in programs or receive services. Additionally, no one is excluded on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex.
More than 50 years after their creation, AAAs continue to ensure older adults have the opportunities and resources they need to age well, remain independent and contribute to the communities they call home. As your local AAA, VPAS is here for you, too.
To connect with your local VPAS office in Buena Vista, call (540) 261-7474, visit vpas.info, interact with Valley Program for Aging Services on Facebook, or follow @vpasnavigatingaging on Instagram.
