10 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® LIVING WELL 2025-2026 Message From the Area Agency on Aging Dear Monterey County Residents, The senior population continues to grow, live longer, and with increasingly complex needs. Locally, over 90,000 seniors residing in Monterey County are age 60 or older and are expected to represent a quarter of the population by 2030. Ensuring that needed services meet the challenges of this growing population will continue to be critical. During these uncertain times, we must continue to build capacity, resources, and access to critical services that serve elders, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and their families. This will remain a priority for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) locally, the California AAA statewide, and national AAA/USAging organizations. The County of Monterey Department of Social Services, along with its local AAA, a dedicated network of community service providers, and government agencies, continues to work diligently to provide a range of services and support. Together, we can assist older adults to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible while maintaining optimal health, well-being, independence, and dignity. I want to acknowledge and thank the Department of Social Services staff and the Monterey County Weekly for dedicating their time to help create this resource guide. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the AAA Advisory Council members who volunteer their time to lend their voices and advocate for the needs of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers in our community. I hope you find this updated Aging and Disability Resource Guide helpful, and I wish you and your families good health and a safe and warm place to call home filled with food, family, and friends. Respectfully, Diana Jimenez County of Monterey, AAA Director & Aging and Adult Services Deputy Director Dear Residents of Monterey County, The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council is pleased to present its 2025–2026 Aging and Disability Resource Guide in collaboration with the Monterey County Weekly. The Advisory Council provides input, guidance, and support to the AAA on matters important to older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. We extend our appreciation to the staff of the AAA and the many professionals in the aging services network who provide compassionate support and comfort to our senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in Monterey County. We are also grateful for the Older Americans Act, established in 1965, which aims to help older adults live independently and with dignity. This funding is essential for sustaining many senior service programs. As this landscape evolves, the County of Monterey AAA Advisory Council will continue to advocate for the needs of seniors to the best of its ability. Aimee Cuda, Advisory Council Chair County of Monterey wishes to thank the following members for their continued participation on and commitment to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council: Aimee Cuda, Advisory Council Chair Jessica McKillip, Advisory Council Vice Chair Kathybelle Barlow Bobbie Blakeney William Eldredge Richard Kuehn Kontrena McPheter Alicia Rodriguez JoAnne Roth Jose Vazquez We accept voluntary contributions for services we provide to the community through the Area Agency on Aging. There is no obligation to contribute; it is purely voluntary. No eligible individual shall be denied service because of failure or inability to contribute. Contributions will be private and confidential to respect the individual’s contribution or lack of contribution. If at any time you would like to contribute to this program, please make a check payable to County of Monterey Area Agency on Aging, reference “IRA voluntary contribution” and select which program service (Community Education, Information & Assistance, Public Information, Transportation you would like to contribute to. Mail check to: Attn: AAA Fiscal Officer 1000 S. Main Street, Ste. 306 Salinas, CA 93901
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