AAAs Making a Difference

November 14, 2025


On behalf of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) and the more than 548,000 older Pennsylvanians age 60+ our member Area Agencies on Aging support, we want to congratulate Governor Josh Shapiro and the General Assembly on the passage of the $50.1 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The investments made in this budget will have huge impacts in supporting, defending, and protecting the needs of the people of this Commonwealth.


We are grateful to the General Assembly and the Shapiro Administration for prioritizing older Pennsylvanians in the budget through the inclusion of a $10.7 million increase to the PENNCARE line item. After years of underfunding, this investment is a step in the right direction toward building a Commonwealth that supports Pennsylvania’s most experienced people, making it possible for those of us age 60 and over to remain safe, independent and connected in our own homes and communities.


AAAs and the PENNCARE line item in the budget are a lifeline for older adult services such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and caregiver support, resources that help us stay independent and supported as our needs evolve over time. While the $10.7 million increase provides relief, this is only the beginning of the investment needed to sustain the growing demand and increased costs for these essential services across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s largest population continues to grow and is projected to account for 1 out of every 3 Pennsylvanians by 2030.


Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging remain committed to ensuring a safety net system where we can receive the care and support we need and deserve as we grow older. We look forward to working with our legislators so budgets in the future reflect the true scale of services that support us, our neighbors, our families, and our friends as our needs naturally evolve over time.

-Rebecca May-Cole, Executive Director

 Who are the AAAs?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide critical services to roughly 548,000 older Pennsylvanians annually, ensuring access to essential programs, services, and protections, allowing them to age in their own homes.

Today, Pennsylvania is home to 3.4 million older adults, the fifth highest total in the country. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be an almost 40% increase in the number of older adults in Pennsylvania, accounting for 1 of every 3 Pennsylvanians. Yet, funding for AAAs who directly support this population has severely lagged for the last 20 years.

Area Agencies on Aging across the Commonwealth are in desperate need of increased funding to continue supporting the needs of older adults statewide.

▶️ Listen to older adults from Jefferson, Philadelphia, Bedford, Indiana, Montgomery, Westmoreland, Huntingdon, Armstrong, and Allegheny Counties plea to state legislators.

Older Adult Spotlight

“I was lost. That place saved my heart,” - Jim Overly, Older Pennsylvanian

Area Agencies on Aging provide transportation, hot meals, health care services, legal help, and socialization to older adults. These services are critical to their well-being. Read more about what these services have meant to Carolyn, Jim, Carl and Evelyn.

In the News

“The challenges faced by our aging population will only increase. We can either prepare and invest now, or we can face a crisis of care in the near future.”

P4A announces the appointment of new President of the Board of Directors.

Read a piece published by P4A’s Executive Director Rebecca May-Cole: Your View: Pennsylvania must do more to support its older residents.

Media Mentions