Welcome to the Division of Aging and Adult Services

The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), within the Arizona Department of Economic Security, is Arizona’s designated State Unit on Aging. The Federal Older Americans Act provides DAAS with its authority.

DAAS works with local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout the state, which advocate for (and on behalf of) at-risk, disabled, and older Arizonans. In addition, AAAs develop and implement a comprehensive service delivery system of Home and Community Based Services that most accurately reflect the needs of their local communities. Some services are delivered through the use of multi-purpose senior centers and can include home delivered meals, group meals at the centers, education services, and information and referral services.   

As the State Unit on Aging, DAAS is responsible for the following:

• Support and enhance the ability of at-risk, disabled,  and older adults to meet their needs to the maximum of their ability, choice, and benefit.
• Preserve the rights of individuals and their independence, self-sufficiency, safety, honor, and dignity.
• Assure equal access to quality services, benefits, and supports for individuals.
• Promote opportunities for employment, life-long learning, and civic engagement.
• Assure that opportunities, programs, and services, are designed and developed to meet the needs of older Arizonans and prevent premature institutionalization.
• Develop and administer the State Plan on Aging, including the planning, policy development, coordination, priority setting, and evaluation of all State activities related to the objectives of the Older Americans Act.
• Designate a public or private nonprofit agency or organization as the Area Agency on Aging.
• In consultation with the Area Agencies on Aging, develop and publish a formula for distribution within the State for funds received through the Older Americans Act.