By Tim Wholf

As 2026 approaches, one of the most significant trends shaping the lives of older adults is the growing recognition that aging is not a uniform experience.

While advances in health care, social support and public programs have improved the lives of many older adults, these benefits are not distributed equally. Increasing evidence shows that income and access to health care, social support, transportation, technology, safe housing and mental health services play defining roles in determining who thrives in later life and who faces mounting barriers.

In Johnson County, our government is working to respond to these disparities through coordinated efforts spanning multiple departments.

This collaborative, countywide approach helps ensure older adults, especially those with limited resources, receive support on many fronts.

The Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services, along with its Area Agency on Aging Division, provides foundational supports for food, home care, social connection and utility assistance.

AHS doesn’t operate in isolation. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment offers public health initiatives relevant to older adults, including immunizations, chronic disease prevention programs, outreach nurse services for older adults and broader community health efforts.

Meanwhile, the Johnson County Mental Health Center is expanding services and crisis supports, bolstering mental health care for all residents, including seniors who may struggle with depression, anxiety, isolation or substance use issues.

In 2025, county leaders approved funding for a new adult crisis stabilization center and expanded teams for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service, addressing critical gaps in mental health support after hours.

This synergy across departments — aging services, human services, public health and mental health — reflects a holistic view of “aging well:” not just physical health or safety, but mental wellness, social connection, access to care and dignity.

Some concrete ways these collaborations benefit older adults in Johnson County:

• Nutrition & food security: JCAAA continues offering home-delivered meals and congregate dining centers at locations throughout Johnson County, ensuring that older adults have access to nutritious meals even if they have mobility or financial constraints.
• In-home services & care support: JCAAA/AHS provides in-home assistance, including help with household chores, bathing or dressing, and personal care for residents who need support to remain safely at home. Additionally, respite care and caregiver support services are available for families caring for older adults.
• Health outreach and preventive services: Through DHE’s outreach programs, including immunizations, community health worker programs and outreach for older adults, seniors have access to preventive care and public health supports that can help manage chronic conditions and improve overall wellbeing.
• Mental health and crisis support: With the expansion of MNH services, older adults facing mental health challenges or substance use issues have more robust and accessible options. This is especially important given the loneliness, isolation, grief or stress many seniors face, and the limited availability of mental health care in many areas.
• Coordinated service network and outreach: JCAAA’s 2026–2029 Area Plan on Aging emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other agencies, organizations and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated support system for older adults. AHS/JCAAA is always looking for collaboration opportunities to meet the needs of county residents.

The contrast between what’s possible and what’s typical for older adults nationwide — and in Johnson County — underscores that longevity alone doesn’t guarantee quality of life. Without access to vital services, many older adults risk isolation, declining health or financial strain.

By combining efforts across Johnson County departments and offering a comprehensive network of services, we are working to reduce these risks, especially for older residents with limited income or resources. We believe aging support shouldn’t just be about managing decline, it should be about enabling dignity, independence and community for everyone.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.