Alpine Area Agency on Aging
(Alpine AAA)

Senior Services in NWCCOG's Region:

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Program Overview

The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 established the Administration on Aging (AoA) at the federal level in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Act is intended to assist older Americans to live independently and with dignity, in their own communities, by removing barriers and providing continual care for vulnerable older adults. AoA awards funds to the State Units on Aging (Division of Aging and Adult Services in Colorado), based on Census Bureau estimates of the number of people age 60 and over. States are divided into Planning and Services Areas (PSAs), so programs can be effectively developed to meet the unique needs of older adults in each area. Colorado allocates funds to 16 Area Agencies on Aging, which, in turn, fund local service providers - an interconnected stream of funds and programs known as the "aging network". Programs authorized under the OAA are intended to serve all persons over the age of 60, especially those with the greatest social or economic need.

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Key Planning Documents in the Region

Strengths and Needs Assessment of Older Adults in the State of Colorado (2004)
Strengths and Needs Assessment of Older Adults in the Central Mountain Region (2004)
Strengths and Needs Assessment of Older Adults in Grand County (2004)
Newsletter Summary of Region 12 Status of Older Adults Report

Funding from the OAA and the State is used to contract with public and private providers of services for older adults, particularly those with the greatest social and economic need. Under current OAA legislation, no one may be charged for services, nor denied because of an inability to pay. Clients may contribute toward the cost of services should they choose. Donations provide an important source of income for senior services and enable the network to continue to provide services to the community.

The NWCCOG began sponsorship of the Alpine Area Agency on Aging (Alpine AAA) in 1978. The Alpine AAA is the designated regional planning and service agency for senior services in Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Pitkin, and Summit Counties. The Alpine AAA Regional Advisory Council (RAC), mandated by the OAA, was formed in 1980 and acts as the Alpine AAA's primary advisory and advocacy group. A voluntary group of citizens, the RAC represents all counties within the NWCCOG region. Agencies, service providers, and individuals with expertise in aging interests are recruited as "Optimal Representatives" to the RAC. The RAC meets six times a year. Meetings are open to the public.

Funding to the Alpine AAA and program objectives are based on the State Fiscal Year (July - June).

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Older Americans Month - May 2010

ANNUAL SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY MAY 6, 2010 in Vail

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the 22nd Annual Senior Awards Ceremony and luncheon May 6, 2010, at the Arabelle at Vail Square in Vail, Colorado.

The Regional Advisory Council will host this annual event attended by individuals and organizations from around the Region 12 area.  The event will begin with a welcome reception at 10:00 am followed by the awards presentation and a luncheon.  This annual event allows seniors and community members to celebrate the region's cooperative spirit.  During the awards presentation recipients are recognized for their significant contribution of their time, talent and energy through outstanding leadership.  This year, Jeremy Bloom, founder of the Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime Foundation, will be the keynote speaker.

We look forward to honoring these individuals and organizations that have made a significant during the past year.  Their selfless efforts on behalf of others help us see the good that people can do, and we hope that you can join us. 

If you would like to be involved in supporting this event, contact the Alpine Area Agency on Aging office at 970-468-0295 x107.

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Regional Advisory Council

The Alpine Area Agency on Aging is guided by a Regional Advisory Council (RAC) which is made up of two senior citizen representatives from each of NWCCOG's five member counties, one elected official from the region as a whole, as well as optimal representatives from businesses, agencies and community services of import to seniors. The RAC is instrumental in assisting AAAA accomplish its mission and values.
Duties of the RAC:

 Centenarian Project

The Centenarian Project is a promotional activity of the Commission on Aging to celebrate the lives of Centenarians across the state, recognize their individual century of achievement, and focus the attention of all Coloradans on the political and social issues of aging.

The Centenarian Project recognizes seniors who have achieved the age of 100 or older by awarding centenarian certificates prepared by the Commission and signed by the Governor. Certificates are usually awarded at birthday parties or other family functions and can be presented by Commission members. We know statistically that centenarians are increasing in number, but we want to know them individually so they can be honored for their lifetime of achievement. If you, a family member, or friend will soon turn 100 or more, please contact Viola McNeace at least 90 days prior to the centenarian's birthday. Information need includes the centenarian's name, current address, date and place of birth, and phone number as well as your name, phone number and your relationship to the centenarian.