AAA staff member Tracy Dudley poses with Senator Adam Thomas from Johnson County

On Jan. 22, 2026, Area Agencies on Aging, Silver Haired legislators, aging advisory groups and older residents from across the state gathered at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka for Older Kansans Day.

The long-standing annual event is dedicated to empowering older adults, connecting them with policymakers and shaping policy discussions that affect aging Kansans, their families and caregivers.

Older Kansans Day is more than a social event — it’s an advocacy platform. Organized by local Area Agencies on Aging, the event brings older Kansans face-to-face with state legislators and their staff to discuss critical issues. Topics included health care access, housing stability, senior tax relief, transportation and programs that help older adults remain independent in their homes and communities.

Participants see Older Kansans Day as an empowering moment — providing a rare and meaningful chance to raise awareness of the unique needs of older adults and influence legislative priorities early in the session.

Kansas, like many states, is experiencing demographic shifts as its population ages. Events like Older Kansans Day help ensure that older adults are not only represented in policy debates but also heard directly by those shaping the laws that affect their health, financial security and quality of life.

By building direct lines of communication between older Kansans and state leaders, the event fosters deeper understanding and responsiveness to the challenges and contributions of older residents from rural communities to urban centers.