The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division is the City of Chicago’s lead agency for older adults and serves as the local Area Agency on Aging as designated by the Illinois Department on Aging. DFSS/Chicago Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is part of a national network of services and programs that protect the rights and support the needs of the nation’s seniors. This network includes the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the Federal level, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) at the State level, Area Agencies on Aging at the regional level, and local community service providers.

Aging is a success story for some. People are living longer and healthier lives because of medical advancements and other positive developments that have previously constrained human life expectancy. But sustained growth in the older adult population also presents challenges. The current aging population impacts formal and informal social support systems and the ability of private and public entities to provide resources for older adults. It is imperative that we take into consideration the scope of the new demographic reality and adjust current policies and service delivery systems accordingly. At the same time, according to CDPH data, the aging population of some communities of color (African American and Latinx) experience health-related challenges that impact longevity and aging. African Americans in Chicago post-pandemic experienced a life expectancy drop that fell below 70 years, with Latinx Chicagoans also experiencing a steep decline--losing a total of 7 years of life expectancy since 2012. One of the main drivers of the racial life expectancy gap has been listed as chronic disease (e.g. heart disease, cancer, diabetes).

Our current and future planning has to take into consideration services, resources, and strategies that address health inequities and correct longstanding community disinvestment and inadequate access to resources. DFSS’s goal is to aid and assist seniors – particularly those residing within  traditionally underserved communities – through operating programs that support a healthy life expectancy (e.g. chronic disease control, fall prevention, fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness) and other life-affirming measures. This purposeful response is rooted in equity to help address structural inequities that contribute to higher mortality rates and greater burden of disease in later life.

Download 2023 Senior Services Division 2023 Program Portfolio and Strategies