What is an Area Agency on Aging? | High Country Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the 1973 Older Americans Act (OAA) to support older adults in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. Today, AAAs also serve adults with disabilities, helping them remain safely in their homes and engaged in their communities. In North Carolina, oversight is provided by the federal Administration for Community Living and the North Carolina Division of Aging.

Across the country, 618 AAAs are tasked with designing and delivering services that reflect the unique needs and preferences of their local communities. While each AAA has flexibility in how it operates, all are responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing five core services: supportive services, nutrition, elder rights, caregiver support, and health and wellness.

The High Country Area Agency on Aging is one of 16 AAAs serving North Carolina. In addition to the core services, North Carolina AAAs also administer a range of specialized programs, including:

Home and Community-Based Services
Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Local Contact Agency (LCA) Services
Support for the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature
Support for Regional Aging Advisory Committees

Why are AAAs important?

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in its older adult population, and North Carolina and the High Country region are no exception. By 2030, nearly 3 million North Carolinians and 70 million Americans will be age 60 or older — more than double the number from the year 2000.

This demographic shift underscores the critical importance of home and community-based services provided through Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). These services empower older adults to remain in their homes — where 90% say they prefer to age — while maintaining independence, dignity, and connection to their communities.

Home and community-based services not only enhance quality of life, but also offer a cost-effective alternative to institutional care. In many cases, they help prevent or delay the need for nursing home placement, delivering essential support at a fraction of the cost.