As the country took steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, services that once brought older adults together, such as congregate meal sites and wellness classes, were interrupted. AAAs mounted a rapid response, redistributing resources to deliver continuous services and supports for older adults. The article, co-authored by experts at Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University and n4a, asserts that AAAs are naturally long-standing experts in assessing and responding to the needs of their respective communities.
 
Fast-track Innovation: Area Agencies on Aging Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic provides examples of how AAAs were able to adapt service models and respond to new opportunities to serve the changing needs of older adults in their communities. As the health care system adapts to the demands of the pandemic, AAAs are positioned as key partners that can help deliver continuity and quality in service delivery and address the holistic needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
 
Read the full article in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy to learn more about how AAAs are playing an increasing role in pandemic response and cross-sectoral partnerships now, and in the future.