Who We Are

The Center for Positive Aging is a partnership of individuals, community organizations and congregations working together to connect seniors and their families to the resources they need.

What We Do

TheCenter for Positive Aging connects those who need assistance to the vast network of information, programs, and services available for seniors and their families.

Our Congregational Affiliates and Community Partners expand outreach to all members of the community through their participation in the Center for Positive Aging health/outreach fairs, seminars, and special events.

We promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of all, and help seniors maintain their dignity, independence, and usefulness through a variety of programs, educational events, and volunteer opportunities.

We are committed to providing seniors with the information they need, and serving as a connection to the programs and services they want, to maintain independent living.

Why This is Important Now

Programs and services of the Center for Positive Aging have been promoting independent, creative lives for Atlanta’s seniors since 1982.  At the time it began, founders Virginia Smyth and Joyce Horsley were visionaries for older adults and their families in helping them deal with senior needs and issues desperately at hand.  Even then, Virginia and Joyce foresaw the challenges that lay ahead for a growing population of older adults and those same needs and issues continue today.  The goal remains the same, to develop and promote programs and services that address mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

According to the US Census Bureau, the oldest of the baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, will turn 60 years old in 2006. There are 78.2 million baby boomers with 7,918 turning 60 each day in 2006.

The “Baby Boom” generation holds 70% of the assets in the United States and is better-educated and healthier than previous generations. This population of seniors is expected to double in the next15 years. The Atlanta Regional Commission states that changing demands will require shifts in supportive service systems because older adults make up almost 500,000 people in the Metropolitan Atlanta area.

Bill Benson, national expert on issues in the field of aging, suggested four great challenges before us with regard to an aging society and building a commitment to a positive aging future.  The challenges are:

• Engaging elders in meaningful and vital action

• Promoting healthy living among the older population

• Making sure our communities are “elder friendly” or “elder ready”

• Focusing like a laser beam on the young to be sure they are going to be vital as they age and in their old age

Are we elder ready? Are our communities, organizations, congregations or families ready for the dynamics of the aging boom? The Center for Positive Aging is ready – we hope you’ll join us.