Aaron Sampson Unveils his Senior Independence Agenda During Listening Tour 

Sampson says Fulton County should build on successful programs while investing in innovative solutions that help seniors remain independent.

ATLANTA — As part of an ongoing tour of senior centers and high rises across Fulton Commission District 4, candidate Aaron Sampson today unveiled his Senior Independence Agenda. The initiative is focused on helping older residents remain healthy, connected, and independent in their homes.

The initiative comes after meetings with seniors, caregivers, service providers, and community leaders to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Fulton County's rapidly growing senior population.

"Our seniors built their lives here, raised families here, and are intrinsic to our community," said Sampson. "They deserve a government that is focused on helping them remain independent, connected, and engaged. The goal isn't simply providing services—it's helping people live with dignity and a high quality of life."

The proposal builds upon programs Fulton County already operates successfully while identifying opportunities to modernize through data-driven innovation.

Among the priorities outlined in the initiative are:

• Building on the success of Fulton County's Common Courtesy senior transportation program while using transportation data to better identify seniors who may be at risk of social isolation.

• Expanding technology assistance programs to help older adults navigate telehealth, Medicare, online banking, fraud prevention, and other increasingly digital services through senior centers and libraries.

• Investing in caregiver support programs that recognize the emotional and financial burden carried by family members caring for aging parents.

• Encouraging dementia-friendly training for frontline county employees, including staff at senior centers and libraries, so they are better equipped to assist residents experiencing cognitive decline.

• Supporting practical fall-prevention initiatives, including home safety assessments, balance and mobility programs, and community partnerships that help seniors safely age in place.

According to Sampson, innovative counties across the nation are shifting away from measuring success simply by the number of meals served or services delivered. Instead, they are asking a more meaningful question: How long can residents safely remain in their own homes?

"Preventing a fall. Preventing social isolation. Helping a caregiver before they reach a breaking point. Teaching someone how to use telehealth so they can see their doctor without leaving home. Those are investments that improve quality of life while reducing more expensive healthcare and long-term care costs," Sampson said.

The initiative also recognizes Fulton County's leadership in senior transportation through its Common Courtesy program, which allows eligible seniors to schedule rides by speaking directly with a live operator rather than navigating smartphone apps.

"Fulton has already demonstrated leadership in this space," Sampson added. "Now we should build on that success by connecting transportation, technology, wellness, and caregiver support into a comprehensive strategy that helps seniors remain active members of our communities."

The Senior Independence Agenda is the first in a series of policy plans Sampson plans to release throughout the campaign.

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