There are forty-six Councils on Aging representing all the counties of South Carolina, serving more than 40,000 frail and elderly citizens each year and helping them to live independently in their homes.

Most of the Councils on Aging are private non-profit organizations with boards of directors representative of the communities they serve. A few COAs are part of local county government functioning with a great degree of autonomy.

The programs and services rendered by each Council on Aging range from Congregate Meals to daily exercise programs, home-delivered meals to transportation.

COAs are strong advocates for senior citizens in South Carolina. They also work collectively within what is called the "Aging Network" comprised of Councils on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and the State Office on Aging.

Sources of funding for COAs include Older Americans Act, United Way, local government, grants, private pay for services, and contributions.