A Call to Care: Building a Safer Future for Older Adults
Between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been injured, exploited, or mistreated by someone they rely on for care or protection, according to the National Center for Elder Abuse. It’s a staggering reality, one that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed each year on June 15, seeks to confront by shining a light on the issue and empowering communities to prevent it.
In Arizona, a wide network of programs works every day to protect older adults. Among the most trusted is the Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), a Southern Arizona nonprofit dedicated to helping people age with dignity, independence, and connection. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Pima County, PCOA links older adults, caregivers, and families to essential services, advocacy, and support.
PCOA maintains a comprehensive online resource hub addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation, complete with guidance and local contacts. They also recently hosted Stop the Scams, a community presentation that breaks down common scams targeting older adults and offers practical strategies to safeguard personal and financial information.
PCOA’s reach is broad: they serve adults 60 and older across Pima County, family caregivers, grandparents and kin raising grandchildren, and adults 18+ with physical disabilities.
“Aging well doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes community, resources, and intention,” said Harbhajan Khalsa, PCOA’s Health and Wellness Director. “Our programs exist because the needs are real, growing, and often invisible to those outside this work.”
Those programs include Community Lunch, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, EnhanceFitness, A Matter of Balance, Dementia Capable Southern Arizona, and Aging Well at Home, each designed to strengthen health, resilience, and social connection.
“Take EnhanceFitness,” Khalsa added. “Yes, it improves strength, balance, and flexibility, and the research backs that up. But the impact goes well beyond physical health. People show up not just to exercise, they show up for community, to belong, to connect.”
PCOA’s work is strengthened by its long-standing partnership with the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS).
“DAAS establishes the structure, best practices, accountability, and funding to ensure that services to older adults remain excellent, efficient, meaningful, and responsive,” said Deb Seng, PCOA’s Resources and Supports Director.
Khalsa emphasized the people behind the mission as well. “I want to acknowledge the staff, instructors, volunteers, and partners who do this work every day. They show up with genuine care, and it shows in the outcomes we see.”
If there is one message she hopes the community carries forward, it is this: investing early in healthy aging leads to better outcomes, for individuals, for families, and for the community as a whole.
PCOA is just one example of the many organizations supported through DAAS partnerships. Families can also access caregiver support groups, educational workshops, housing assistance, and a wide range of additional services. To explore the full list of programs, visit the Division of Aging and Adult Services homepage.
