SOWEGA Council on Aging

The Albany-Dougherty Council on Aging was incorporated in 1966 to meet the physical mental and
spiritual needs of older people in the area.  In 1979, in order to accurately reflect the 14-county service area,
the name was changed to the SOWEGA (Southwest Georgia) Council on Aging.  At this time, the organization was designated an Area Agency on Aging by the State Office on Aging.  Over the years, the agency has expanded to meet the needs of the ever-increasing number of older people in the public service area.

The Council on Aging (COA) plans, provides, develops and coordinates services for all people 60 years of age and older in a 14 county, 6,000 square mile area of southwest Georgia.

Ten percent of southwest Georgia's population is 65 years old, which includes some 59,368 people.  Of this population, 30% are minority; 31% are low income, 17.5% are low-income minority; 25% live alone; and 62% are rural.  With counties whose total population ranges from 4,074-96,065, it is easy to understand the challenges which must be met to provide services in a cost-effective, but fair manner.  The flexibility in developing service plans, given to Area Agencies on Aging by the Division of Aging Services, permits this to happen.