Established by state law in 1980, the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging (GACA) is a statewide body of fifteen members appointed by the Governor to serve three-year terms.  The Council's purpose, by statute, is to “advise the Governor, Legislature and all State Departments which the Council deems necessary on all matters and issues relating to aging, including the administration of the State Plan on Aging.”  The Council's mission is to enhance the quality of life for older Arizonans. 

The Council advises policy makers and state agencies and works with local communities, private enterprises and older adults across Arizona to accomplish its mission.  GACA monitors and helps to develop programs and policies that affect older adults, but does not provide direct services.  As part of its role, the Council gathers and assesses information about seniors' needs and aging trends and makes recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature and appropriate state agencies.

Through the work of its committees, the Council reviews and develops strategies to address wide-ranging issues.  Current issues include older driver safety and affordable and accessible transit options, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, employment opportunities for people age 50+ and resources for employers who value and wish to retain mature workers, as well as state and federal legislation impacting older and vulnerable adults.  The Council supports the Governor's Office on Aging's role in helping plan for Arizona's future through the Aging 2020 initiative and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Task Force.  Some of the Council's recent work has included fall prevention, oral health, hearing loss, caregiving and certification of mature worker friendly employers.  Past endeavors have included kinship care, energy and utilities assistance, affordable housing, rural transportation, guardian and conservatorship issues, and medication misuse.

The Governor's Advisory Council on Aging has been instrumental in providing training and awareness programs concerning vital aging issues.  In addition to creating public and private partnerships, the Council strives to offer training or aging awareness events each year. The Council on Aging tracks federal and state legislation that may have a significant impact on older Arizonans and provides that information through the Legislative Update, a free email newsletter.