Agency on Aging Area 4 Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Seniors in California

The independent non-profit has helped older adults in seven diverse counties stay healthy and independent for over five decades.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:09pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of seniors engaged in everyday lifestyle activities, captured in soft, warm pools of light and color that evoke a sense of comfort and community.The Agency on Aging Area 4's 50 years of service have enabled seniors across California to maintain their independence and quality of life through a range of vital programs and resources.Today in Sacramento

For over 50 years, the Agency on Aging Area 4 (AAA4) has been providing vital services and resources to help seniors in seven counties across California, from the rural Sierra region to the urban hub of Sacramento. The independent non-profit organization, which is governed by a representative board and supported by an advisory council, works with regional agencies to offer meals, mental health support, abuse prevention, caregiver assistance, and other critical programs that enable older adults to live independently with dignity and wellness.

Why it matters

As California's aging population continues to grow, the need for comprehensive services and advocacy for senior citizens has become increasingly important. AAA4's regional approach allows it to address the diverse needs of older adults across a wide geographic area, from urban centers to remote rural communities. By operating independently rather than being county-run, AAA4 is able to take a non-partisan approach focused solely on improving quality of life for seniors.

The details

AAA4's $15 million annual budget comes primarily from federal Older Americans Act funding, with additional state and county support. The organization administers Meals on Wheels and oversees 21 different programs to assist older adults with transportation, nutrition, health insurance counseling, and transitions from hospital to home. Over the decades, AAA4 has adapted its services to address evolving challenges facing seniors, such as the growing rate of homelessness among older adults and the need to proactively prevent issues like social isolation and lack of access to basic resources.

  • AAA4 was founded in 1973.
  • Will Tift has been with the agency for 22 years.

The players

Agency on Aging Area 4 (AAA4)

An independent non-profit organization that provides services and resources to help seniors in seven California counties stay healthy and live independently.

Will Tift

The planning administrator for AAA4 who has worked at the agency for 22 years and has witnessed its evolution in serving the growing needs of the state's aging population.

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What they’re saying

“We're here to help older adults live as independently as possible and as long as possible with dignity, health and wellness.”

— Will Tift, Planning Administrator, Agency on Aging Area 4

The takeaway

For over 50 years, the independent and non-partisan Agency on Aging Area 4 has been a vital resource for seniors across seven diverse California counties, adapting its services to address the evolving needs of the state's growing aging population and advocating to help older adults live with dignity, health, and independence.