The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging (GACA) is authorized by legislation (A.R.S. § 46-182, A.R.S. § 46-183, & A.R.S § 46-184) and was created to advise the Governor, Legislature, and all State Departments on all necessary matters and issues relating to aging, including the administration of the State Plan on Aging. GACA members are appointed by the Governor with a mission to enhance the quality of life for older Arizonans.
The GACA gathers and assesses information about seniors’ needs and aging trends by monitoring and raising awareness about programs and policies that affect older adults. The Council supports Arizona’s future planning through the Aging 2020 Initiative and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Task Force. The GACA has provided training and awareness programs concerning vital aging issues. The Council strives to offer training or aging awareness events each year. Some of the Council’s recent work has included older driver safety, fall prevention, oral health, hearing loss, caregiving, and certification of mature worker-friendly employers. Past endeavors have included kinship care, energy and utility assistance, affordable housing, rural transportation, guardian and conservatorship issues, and medication misuse.
The GACA further facilitates the mission outlined in the body’s governing through its active workgroup and subcommittee comprised of members from various geographic, cultural, professional, and personal backgrounds relevant to the issues facing older Arizonans:
- Aging in Community (AIC) Workgroup
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Subcommittee
