ADEPA was created in 1998. The founding assembly took place on February 10, 1998 in Thiès. Bougouma Gueye was named president, Jean-Baptiste Osseni vice-president, and Abdourahman Gueye treasurer. Twelve other people were named to the founding Board of Directors. The association was formally recognized by the Senegalese Ministry of Interior on November 24, 1998.

ADEPA opened a medical center on January 11, 1999. The Center is run by a coordinator and staffed by a volunteer medical team. There is one paid nurse, and there are two interns from a nearby nursing school. During the last four years, the center has served 20 to 25 elders daily, aged 65 and up, who live in the town of Thiès and make less than 50,000 CFA ($100) per trimester (four months). Services provided include medical care, free medications, attentive listening, information, and general attention to their primary needs.