By Tim Wholf

The Older Americans Act, Section 306(a) states that, “each area agency on aging designated under section 305(a)(2)(A) shall, in order to be approved by the State agency, prepare and develop an area plan for a planning and service area for a two-, three-, or four-year period determined by the State agency, with such annual adjustments as may be necessary.”

As a federally designated Area Agency on Aging, the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging prepares an Area Plan on Aging every four years. The Area Plan describes the AAA’s future activities over the coming four years detailing the specific services to be provided to the older adults of Johnson County.

The plan is developed from an assessment of the needs of the area determined by solicited input of older adults, their caregivers, service providers and the public. It establishes a framework for how the AAA will deliver services to Johnson County’s older diverse population. The plan includes a focus on the work the AAA does for strengthening programs that support people as they age, to promote healthy aging and healthy choices, and reduce the incidence of isolated older adults.

The next Area Plan on Aging will cover the years of 2026-2029.

Over the next few months, the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with the Commission on Aging and local Kansas Silver Haired legislators, will be collecting input to identify the needs and challenges facing our older adult population.

A 40-question survey will be an important tool to gather data. This questionnaire is available in print, electronic form or an online survey that can be completed via a link or a QR Code. The AAA is encouraging everyone to complete the questionnaire so a comprehensive assessment of needs can be made. Facilitated discussions with small groups of older adults and community stakeholders will also be held to explore their perspectives and concerns and gather much needed information.

Conducting a needs assessment is important at this time as the number of older adults continues to grow, both nationally and in Johnson County. As the proportion of older adults increases across the globe, the need to include their voice in decisions about healthy aging and remaining independent in their community is paramount.

Getting community input on older adult needs is crucial because it ensures that services and programs designed for this population directly address their specific concerns, priorities, and challenges, leading to better quality of life, increased social engagement, and a more responsive support system tailored to the unique needs of the local older population.

By gathering feedback from diverse groups of individuals, we can develop programs and services that address the unique needs of different demographics within our older population. Direct input from older adults, caregivers and community partners allows for identification of gaps in existing services and opportunities for improvement, which can lead to more efficient and effective service delivery for older adults.

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging will spend approximately four months gathering data from surveys and facilitated discussions. A four-year Area Plan on Aging will be compiled based upon the information gathered. A public hearing will then be held in mid-2025 to present the Area Plan on Aging.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.