Since Positive Maturity was founded in 1970, the aging population has changed drastically. Adults 50 and older are living healthier lives, working for a longer amount of time, taking care of their parents or beginning second careers. Most importantly, this group is giving back to their communities in tangible, life-changing ways. This is not a group to sit quietly on the sidelines—they are vocal about their needs, their desire to remain independent and to live in their own homes as long as possible. Positive Maturity is here to meet those needs.

As one of the first senior organizations established in Jefferson County, Ala., Positive Maturity was originally created to assess and meet the needs of the aging population. Founded by the Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala., in 1972 the organization became a United Way partner and a proud sponsor for Senior Corps programs (RSVP, Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program) through the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Once the state of Alabama created local area Agencies on Aging to take the lead in serving the basic needs of the aging population, Positive Maturity turned its efforts toward keeping the aging population actively engaged in their communities and living independently.