The agency is the single entity in state government responsible for programs affecting seniors.

To meet the needs of the growing numbers of older people in the United States, the Older Americans Act of 1965 created an Aging Network to organize, coordinate and provide home and community based services and opportunities for older adults and their families to maintain their well being and independence.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) established the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to administer OAA programs at the federal level.

HAWAII'S AGING NETWORK

State Unit on Aging
In each state there is a designated State Unit on Aging. In Hawaii the State Unit is the Executive Office on Aging. EOA provides leadership relative to all aging issues on behalf of the 207,000 older persons in Hawaii.

POLICY ADVISORY BOARD FOR ELDER AFFAIRS

The Executive Office on Aging is advised by the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) The PABEA is a statewide body appointed by the Governor. It is comprised of members who are knowledgeable about problems relating to aging. A majority is over age sixty. Ex-officio members are from State agencies that provide programs serving elders.

The PABEA provides no direct services but represents the interests of older persons, and provides advice on receiving and commenting on state policies, programs and actions, which affect older adults.

For more information about PABEA call (808) 586-0100 or email eoa@doh.hawaii.gov.

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING

In addition to the EOA there are, at the county level, County Agencies on Aging. There are four agencies to coordinate the services and advocate for the older persons in each Planning and Service Area (PSA).

Private and public sector service providers complete the aging network.

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