The History Behind AgeOptions

AgeOptions is a not-for-profit organization located in Oak Park, Illinois, that has served the older adults of suburban Cook County and their families as an Area Agency on Aging since 1974. As part of the nationwide network, we are authorized by the federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Department on Aging as the Planning and Service Area for the 30 townships surrounding Chicago.

AgeOptions is governed by a Board of Directors, whose responsibilities include setting our direction, establishing policies, and managing and allocating resources. Using proven methods of research and planning, AgeOptions is entrusted with distributing funds to a network of organizations that serve older adults and their families. Our Advisory Council consists of a group of older adults who represent and link us to the communities in our service area. Our executive and management team, whose combined experience in the field of aging exceeds 120 years, are responsible for the implementation of strategic plans and day-to-day operations.

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The Purpose That Guides AgeOptions

Over the past 35 years, AgeOptions has established a reputation for meeting the needs, wants and expectations of the senior population in suburban Cook County. Our purpose is to connect older adults, aged 60 and over, with resources and options for care so that they can have a full range of choices and live their lives to the fullest. Our role is to plan, fund, coordinate and advocate for this special group and their family caregivers.

Our primary service area includes 130 communities – home to 2.5 million residents with a population of more than 454,000 older adults. Together with our service partners, we annually reach more than 130,000 people who come to us from diverse backgrounds. AgeOptions embraces diversity in aging – across race, ethnicity, culture, language, experience and lifestyle. These qualities contribute greatly to the richness of our communities. At the same time, the unique differences challenge us to regularly evaluate who we are and what we do. We also realize that as the Baby Boomer generation ages this demographic shift will significantly increase the number of individuals seeking assistance.

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The Strategy That Guides Our Future

AgeOptions is recognized nationally as a leader in developing and helping to deliver innovative community-based resources and options to older populations in transition. Recent grants from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have enabled us to lead in a partnership-driven initiative for community planning and support programs. In late 2006, the Administration on Aging named AgeOptions as one of only 15 grantees nation wide to receive funds for the new SMP Integration Project.

Seen by colleagues as being at the forefront of positive change in the field of aging, the AgeOptions executive and management team is regularly asked to share knowledge and expertise. In 2006 and 2007 alone, we have helped to organize and made key presentations at regional and national conferences sponsored by the American Society on Aging, the National Council on Aging, and n4a – the national association of 655 Area Agencies on Aging.

Looking forward, AgeOptions will continue to seek out new opportunities and ways to reach the older adults of the metropolitan Chicago area and beyond. In order to be responsive and fully prepared, we will continue to:

• Develop our system of services so that it is more comprehensive and culturally competent
• Secure diversified funding and resources in support of these services
• Promote access to services by raising awareness and increasing our visibility
• Build strong relationships with our funded agencies and other community partners
• Advocate for the needs and rights of older adults and those who care for them

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