Partners in the Aging Network
AgingCT & Commissions on Aging: Creating Connections for Good
AgingCT has been working in partnership with the Commissions on Aging in Connecticut (COACT) to bolster its similar work of creating strong networks to support and improve the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in every community.
Town level Commissions on Aging (COAs) developed in the 1960s to act as advisory planning boards for town leaders regarding the needs of older residents. Berlin was one of the earliest local COAs in Connecticut, formalized on December 17, 1963. Many other towns created COAs throughout the 1970s. This growth coincided with the Older Americans Act of 1965 and the federal authorization of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Both COAs and AAAs are charged with studying needs, coordinating and evaluating programs, advising town officials, applying for grants, and advocating for older residents.
As they grew and spread, individual COAs developed a wide range of unique interests, projects, accomplishments, and proficiencies. They served their towns well, but stayed mostly siloed, with minimal knowledge of the structure, work, and even contact information for other COAs. Making connections seemed like a logical first step.
In 2024, Eric Rosenberg, MD, Chair of the East Hampton COA, and other COA leaders formed COACT, with a mission to create a strong statewide network that connects and supports volunteers serving on COAs and similar organizations across Connecticut. Through education, resources, collaboration, and advocacy, COACT empowers local COAs to strengthen their effectiveness and enhance the quality of life for older adults in their communities.
The benefits of collaboration resonated with many commissions. COACT now boasts 120 individual members from 62 towns working together to share best practices, interests, urgent situations, and information regarding senior centers, grants, educational resources, and legislation. With the help of community partners, COACT has produced webinars on relevant topics such as finding and using data, building a senior center, and energizing your COA. Planning continues for developing mechanisms and channels to further outreach, networking, communication, and collaboration.
AgingCT works with COACT as members and partners in this mission, and encourages participation on town Commissions on Aging, membership in COACT, and/or volunteering on the Advisory Board of your Area Agency on Aging. To learn more, email AgingCT at
hello@agingct.org.
