Impacts of Aging Services: Insights from the National Surveys of AAAs and Title VI Programs

TL;DR

This paper reviews 26 studies using data from aging services surveys to understand how these services are adapting to challenges like the pandemic and healthcare access.

Contribution

The paper synthesizes findings from multiple surveys to highlight systemic issues and opportunities for improving aging services.

Findings

Aging services face strain and require more adaptable and equitable responses.

Research shows increased social isolation and disrupted healthcare access for older adults during the pandemic.

Integrated care models and community partnerships are key to expanding care access for older adults.

Abstract

Aging services operate within a shifting landscape shaped by the evolving needs and requirements of consumers and providers, legislative challenges, and external—often unpredictable—factors. The National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the National Survey of Title VI Programs are conducted regularly to understand how AAAs and Tribal organizations are responding to the evolving needs of older adults and caregivers in communities around the country. This review identifies 26 publications that draw on data from the National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), with some also incorporating findings from the National Survey of Title VI programs. These publications cover six themes: COVID-19 (5 publications), healthcare and healthcare collaborations (6), general AAA operations (5), home and home modifications (3), communities (2), and staffing (1), and point to a system under strain, requiring more adaptable and equitable responses. Research on COVID-19 highlights heightened social isolation of older adults, disrupted healthcare access, and the critical role of AAAs in vaccine outreach and emergency support. Healthcare-related studies explore integrated care models, systemic inequities, and the power of community partnerships in expanding care access. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, offering a foundation for informed decision-making and program development. Ensuring this data is used effectively can help strengthen aging services, making them more adaptable, inclusive, and better equipped to support older adults.