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 that 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 every person can age with health and financial security.

Learn more about the policies impacting older adults.

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.

Get the latest in aging services issues here.

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

Vital Funding for Older Adults and Communities

All of us have a stake in ensuring the Older Americans Act continues to support programs and services that help the health and independence of Americans 60 and older. NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin testified before the Congress about the importance of OAA and how reauthorization of its funding ensures everyone has the opportunity to age well.

Learn more about NCOA's OAA reauthorization 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 seniors.

Help protect investments in aging services programs.

Heavy rain and flooding in eastern Kentucky has impacted thousands of residents, including older adults. Learn more about the disaster assistance and resources that are available to help.

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 to protect programs we all depend on.

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.

Use our resources to advocate for older adults.

An advocate for older adults raises his hand at a town hall.

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

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

Get the Facts on Women and Aging

Aug 15, 2024

Older Americans Act Reauthorization: Senate Committee Advances Bill Endorsed by NCOA

Aug 06, 2024

Fiscal Year 2025 Aging Services Funding: Sharp Contrast Between Senate and House Proposals

Aug 06, 2024

Senate and House FY25 Aging Services Funding Proposals Differ Sharply

Current Federal Budget and Appropriations for Aging Services Programs

Aug 05, 2024

The statue of freedom on the top of the dome of the U.S. Capitol in the morning light.

House Committee Slashes Aging Services Investments for FY25

Jul 22, 2024

House Committee Slashes Aging Services Investments for Fiscal Year 2025

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 OAA and the programs and strategies it supports.

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, their families, and their communities. Fight for the Older Americans Act today.

Tell Congress to invest in the Older Americans Act.

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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