Illinois’ and the nation’s aging population is rapidly increasing, with the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older rising significantly due to the aging of Baby Boomers. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for various sectors, including healthcare and the economy, as well as for the population itself.
Fortunately, service agencies provide much needed support. The nonprofit AgeLinc (Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland) is dedicated to helping older adults maintain dignity, health, and independent living.
Carolyn Austin started with the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland in January of 2018 as the fiscal manager and took on the role of executive director in May of that same year. In 2020, the board of directors changed her title to chief executive officer, and they also re-branded the organization as AgeLinc in order to make the name easier for people to remember.
Austin explained the organization was started in May of 1974 under the Older Americans Act in order to receive funding to create and fund programming for older adults. It is one of 13 Area Agencies on Aging in Illinois with more than 600 in the U.S.
“As a result,” Austin said, “we have been able to fund senior nutrition, transportation, evidence-based health programs, respite, caregiver support programs, information and assistance, and options counseling programs for older adults in our 12-county service area for more than 50 years. We partner with organizations like Senior Services of Central Illinois to offer these services. Our office provides information and assistance, benefit access assistance, the Veteran Directed Care program, Medicare enrollment assistance, navigating senior living options, our award-winning PrideLinc senior program and caregiver support services.”
PrideLinc, launched in March, is the only weekly lunch program in Sangamon County designed for LGBTQ+ older adults and allies. A lunch and learn format creates a welcoming space for social connection, shared meals and informational opportunities. It aims to reduce social isolation, support improved nutrition, help reduce food insecurity, encourage cognitive engagement and foster a greater sense of safety and belonging.
AgeLinc’s service area includes Cass, Christian, Greene, Jersey, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott counties. AgeLinc’s services are free but have eligibility requirements.
In general, Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for planning and funding services to help meet the needs of older adults, caregivers and their families; coordinating resources to facilitate a comprehensive service delivery system; and acting as advocates for older adults residing in the area. AgeLinc also functions as an area-wide focal point for aging issues, creating awareness of aging and caregiving issues, providing resources and encouraging the development of services to address identified needs.
Austin said the organization gets the word out about its services by attending health fairs, community events, holding annual fundraisers and promotion on local television and radio stations and publications.
“We also offer presentations in the community,” she said, “so if someone would like us to come and speak to their group, we are happy to do that.”
Providing enough services on a limited budget is AgeLinc’s great challenge, said Austin.
“We are currently advocating statewide for additional funding for home-delivered meals and caregiver services to meet the needs of our older adults in Illinois. For us, it has been rewarding to create new programs to better serve our community, increase access for those most in need of services, and to reach more people.”
In addition, AgeLinc started an annual Mardi Gras fundraiser in 2022 to raise funds to help seniors with emergency needs. Previously, there was no fund available to provide assistance for this type of situation, but since its inception, this event has raised more than $106,000 to help seniors with a variety of emergencies, Austin said.
Earlier this month, the organization held a murder mystery dinner with a State Fair theme and posts a calendar on its website of upcoming events and fundraisers. AgeLinc also posts dozens of resources ranging from housing to utility assistance and other support elements such as Farmers Market Coupons.
“Although we cannot help with every single need,” said Austin, “we often have resources that we can make referrals to, so we encourage people to give us a call at 217-787-9234 or visit our website at agelinc.org.”
This article appears in August 20-26, 2026.
