Two New n4a Publications Provide Valuable Insight into Rural AAAs and Title VI Aging Programs
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Section: April Associate Newsletter




In a continued effort to highlight the vital role the Aging Network plays in supporting older adults and caregivers in communities around the country, n4a has released two new publications Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Living in Rural Communities: The Roles of Area Agencies on Aging and Fast Facts: The Impact of COVID-19 on Title VI Native American Aging Programs and Services. The information featured in both publications allows n4a to advocate on behalf of the Aging Network and disseminate critical information on trends, patterns and issues to members, policymakers and other Aging Network stakeholders.

Released earlier this month, Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Living in Rural Communities: The Roles of Area Agencies on Aging, highlights key data on AAAs serving rural areas. AAA support services are especially critical in rural areas, which have larger proportions of older adults than non-urban areas, and where residents are more likely to live in poverty, have higher rates of chronic conditions and have less access to health care and transportation options. An analysis of data from the 2020 AAA National Survey, the new Data Brief explores differences and similarities between AAAs serving rural and non-rural areas in structure, budget, workforce and service provision, including home repair and modification, transportation and evidence-based programs.
 
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we know that Title VI Native American aging programs have shown resilience and creativity in meeting the needs of their elders during this unprecedented time. Fast Facts highlights key findings from the National Title VI Program Survey about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders served by Title VI programs.
 
In addition to findings on how the pandemic increased and changed the needs of elders, the fact sheet shows how Title VI programs addressed these needs by adding or expanding programs, what workforce challenges they experienced and new technical assistance needs that have emerged.
 
This fact sheet is the first component of the forthcoming Title VI Survey Toolkit, due to be released this summer. In addition to the National Title VI Survey Report, the toolkit will also include regional reports, a data brief on home modification and repair services, a customizable PowerPoint template with key facts, sample social media posts and sample newsletter articles that Title VI programs can use to promote their work.