Advocate

At NCOA, we advocate for older adults and organizations that serve them. Get the latest news on public policy affecting older adults and aging programs, and find ways you can take action.

How NCOA Advocates for Older Adults

Public & Social Policy

At NCOA, we believe how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, our Policy Team works to ensure we all can age with health and financial security.

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A senior Native American woman is showing a younger generation how to weave.

Issues for Aging Services Advocates

As an organization with a mission of making aging well possible for everyone, NCOA constantly advocates for older adults. Healthy aging advocates and professionals alike may be wondering what’s next, and how the federal government plans to take action in the coming years.

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A younger female caregiver holds the hands of a senior Caucasian woman who is smiling.

Vital Funding for Older Adults and Communities

We all have a stake in ensuring the Older Americans Act continues to support key programs and services. NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin testified before Congress about the importance of OAA and how reauthorization of its funding ensures everyone has the opportunity to age well.

Understand NCOA's priorities

Each year, funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and many other aging services need to be approved by Congress and signed into law by the president. Learn why the reauthorization of OAA is so important to older adults, caregivers, and their communities.

Understanding the Federal Budget

Reining in the federal budget is important for our economic future and requires shared sacrifice in spending reductions. But program cuts should not be made at the expense of economically disadvantaged older adults.

Help protect programs

Older adults are among the most affected by natural disasters. Learn more about the financial assistance and benefits programs available.

Advocate for Older Adults

Members of Congress need to hear from you—their constituents—on what issues matter most. Use NCOA's advocacy tool to help protect and strengthen the programs we all depend on.

Add your voice

Sen. Mike Crapo with NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin and others

Advocacy Basics

Want to communicate with Congress or prepare for an upcoming town hall in your community? NCOA helps individuals at senior centers, community-based organizations, and social and human services agencies engage with elected officials so that your voice is heard.

Advocate for older adults

The National Council on Aging's (NCOA) public policy initiatives center on a common purpose: To ensure that aging well is a right for all, not a privilege for a few.

Join our movement for equitable aging

Since 1950, NCOA has successfully built bridges for change to ensure health and economic well-being for generations of older adults. NCOA was the first national voice for older adults, and our vision is a just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security.

Add your voice to protect and strengthen programs we all depend on as we age. Use our resources below to follow federal aging services legislation and speak up on the issues you care about.

Policy Issues Affecting Older Adults

Why Congress Should Extend Funding for Medicare Low-Income Outreach and Enrollment: Letter to Congress

Nov 06, 2024

Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain things that original Medicare cannot, like dental care, vision care, hearing aids, transportation, or gym memberships. Here's what to know and what to ask.

Elections Guide for Older Adults: How to Stay Safe While Voting

Nov 04, 2024

How Enrolling in Benefits Programs Saved Sherlea at 74

Nov 01, 2024

Reduced Rides to Help Older Adults Exercise Their Right to Vote

Oct 01, 2024

Get the Facts on Healthy Aging

Aug 16, 2024

A Black senior woman is hugging her husband from behind while he's sitting on the couch.

Get the Facts on Senior Centers

Aug 15, 2024

Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota County, Florida, will harness their trusted community partners and their long-standing belief in people helping people to increase COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake among older adults.

Get the Facts on Women and Aging

Aug 15, 2024

Women face specific challenges to their right to age well, including health disparities and unequal access to health care, caregiving responsibilities that can drain health and retirement security, and lower participation in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Get the facts from NCOA.

Celebrating 59 Years of the Older Americans Act

Now in its 59th year, the Older Americans Act (OAA) ensures a network of national, state, tribal, local, and community-based organizations can plan for and implement important programming to ensure all older Americans, especially the most vulnerable, can age well with health, dignity, and independence. Learn more about its history and what you can do to support its reauthorization this year.

Learn more about the OAA

Learn more about the Older Americans Act and how it addresses the social services needs of older adults.

Protect OAA Funded Programs

Action Center

Help protect the federal funding needed to help support older adults, families, and communities. Fight for the Older Americans Act today.

Tell Congress

What Should Aging Look Like?

Aging well in America means drawing upon important assets that support long life. Learn more about what we need to do to ensure everyone has the resources to nurture their well-being and independence.

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