About Pima Council on Aging
Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) is Southern Arizona’s trusted nonprofit resource for aging well. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Pima County, we connect older adults, caregivers, and families with the services, support, and advocacy they need to live with dignity, independence, and connection.
For nearly six decades, we have worked alongside community partners to ensure that no one has to navigate aging alone.
Who We Are
PCOA is a community-based organization serving older adults, caregivers, and their families throughout Pima County. We provide information, guidance, and direct services that address the realities of aging, from meals and home care to assistance with benefits, caregiver support, and end-of-life planning.
Our team includes experienced social workers, navigators, educators, advocates, and volunteers who understand the challenges and opportunities that come with growing older.
What We Do
PCOA offers a continuum of programs and services that help people age well at home and in their communities, including:
Information & Assistance Helpline: A trusted starting point for questions about aging, resources, and next steps.
Meals & Nutrition: Congregate and home-delivered meals that combat hunger and isolation.
Caregiver Support & Education: Classes, support groups, and navigation for those caring for older adults.
In-Home Services & Long-Term Care Support: Connections to non-medical home care, benefits, and care coordination.
Healthy Aging & Wellness: Workshops on falls prevention, chronic disease management, dementia, and more.
Advocacy & Community Planning: Systems-level advocacy to strengthen aging services locally.
Our History & Marian Lupu’s Legacy
PCOA was founded in 1967 by Marian Lupu, a visionary leader who believed that aging should be met with respect, not stigma, and that older adults deserve a strong voice in shaping the services they rely on. Under Marian’s leadership, PCOA became one of the first organizations in Arizona dedicated solely to the needs and rights of older adults.
Her vision helped define key principles that still guide us today:
• Aging is a community responsibility.
• Older adults deserve choice, independence, and respect.
• Services must be rooted in equity, access, and advocacy.
As PCOA has grown and evolved, Marian’s legacy remains at the heart of our work. Every new program, partnership, and innovation builds on the foundation she laid. Watch this video to learn more about Marian and her important work.
Who We Serve
We serve:
• Adults 60 and older across Pima County
• Family caregivers of older adults
• Grandparents and kin raising grandchildren
• Some adults 18+ with physical disabilities
While many services are available to a broad population, we prioritize those with the greatest economic and social needs, including people living in poverty, people of color, LGBTQ+ older adults, rural residents, and those who are isolated or navigating complex challenges.
How We Work with the Community
PCOA is part of a local, statewide, and national network of aging services where we:
• Partner with nonprofits, healthcare providers, businesses, and government agencies.
• Plan and coordinate services based on community needs and data.
• Advocate for policies and systems that support aging with dignity.
• Listen to older adults and caregivers and lift their voices in decision-making.