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National Council on Aging logo. We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030.

Healthy Aging Programs

For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age. Yet millions struggle every day with health and safety challenges such as chronic disease and mental health issues—all of which can severely impact quality of life. Through our Center for Healthy Aging, NCOA produces solutions that address social and behavioral determinants of health and wellbeing. Learn more about our wellness programs, tools, and resources that help older adults live healthier lives.
An older woman with short gray hair sits cross-legged on the ground outdoors, meditating with her hands in a prayer position. She is wearing a light gray t-shirt, matching leggings, and athletic shoes. Her eyes are closed, and she appears calm and focused. In the foreground, a pair of teal dumbbells rests on the ground beside her. The background is filled with lush green foliage.

How NCOA Helps Older Adults Live Healthier Lives

Center for Healthy Aging

Our Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) empowers people to age well through a combination of wellness programs, tools, and resources delivered via community organizations and online. CHA provides tailored, culturally relevant solutions that enhance health equity and also improve independence, quality of life, overall health, and the ability to age in place.
NCOA's Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living is helping senior centers meet the current and future needs of diverse older adults. Check out our highlights report to learn more.

National CDSME Resource Center

Housed within CHA, the National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Resource Center raises awareness about the impact of chronic conditions on older adults and supports the implementation of evidence-based health promotion programs across the nation.
Physical therapy, proven to help older adults recover from injuries and help manage chronic conditions, is also a great wellness tool.

CDSME Fidelity Hub

Following fidelity when implementing evidence-based chronic disease self-management education programs brings beneficial outcomes for participating older adults. Use this fidelity reference hub to learn more about the Evidence-Based Programs approved by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
CDSME Evidence-Based Programs Fidelity Hub

Evidence-Based Programs

Helping older adults stay healthy as they age can be a complex challenge. From preventing falls to managing chronic conditions, discover expert content and programs to support your work.
Gentle exercise can help prevent falls

Community-Integrated Health Care

Community-integrated health care is more important than ever as older adults elect to age in place and community-based organizations aim to deliver essential services. Explore resources for pursuing complex sustainability strategies and learn how to create stronger partnerships with the health care sector.
Improving Vaccine Access and Acceptance Among Hmong Elders

Aging Mastery® Program

Operated at more than 830 sites nationwide, the Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) is a comprehensive and fun approach to living that guides and empowers older adults to enrich their lives and celebrate the gift of longevity.
A senior Caucasian woman is out in her garden with her granddaughter.

Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

Every year, NCOA, the Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration host a full day of sessions focused on meeting the mental health needs of older adults.
Is online counseling right for you or a loved one? How can therapy help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions for older adults? Browse our resources on mental health therapy to learn more.

With people in the U.S. aging better and living longer, older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the country. In fact, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65+ and by 2040 roughly 78.3 million Americans will fall within that age group.1 Today's older Americans are healthier overall and living independently for longer. But most older people have at least one chronic health condition, and many are dealing with multiple health issues. 

NCOA's role in improving the health of older adults

Through NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging (CHA), we provide training and technical assistance to help professionals provide community-based health education opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities.

CHA accomplishes this mission by:

  • Providing tools and resources that help local, state, and regional organizations implement, expand, and sustain community-based programming and health initiatives.
  • Generating and disseminating new knowledge about best practices and effective strategies for program implementation in the areas of marketing and recruitment, leadership, delivery infrastructure, business planning, sustainability, and more.
  • Developing tools to educate professionals and consumers about key health issues, including the risk of falls, the importance of managing ongoing chronic conditions, and the benefits of preventative vaccinations.

Explore our resources below and learn more about CHA's work, the main health programs we focus on, and how we provide tailored, culturally relevant solutions that enhance health equity and also improve independence, quality of life, overall health, and the ability to age in place.

Sources

1. U.S. Administration for Community Living. 2023 Profile of Older Americans. May 2024. Found on the internet at https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/ACL_ProfileOlderAmericans2023_508.pdf

How NCOA Helps Older Adults Thrive

NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) provides training and technical assistance to help professionals provide community-based health education opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities. 

Read the real-life stories from senior centers on how they make an impact in the lives of their participants and their communities.

NCOA Partners in Healthy Aging Programs

  • Since its founding in 1853 in Hartford, CT, Aetna - a sponsor of BenefitsCheckUp.org - has been committed to providing individuals, employers, health care professionals, and producers with innovative benefits, products, and services.
  • Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Amgen is a values-based company, deeply rooted in science and innovation to transform new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious illnesses.
  • AT&T logo
  • Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation logo
  • Kenvue logo
  • Moderna logo
  • Novo Nordisk logo,  Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark
  • Pfizer logo

HAPID® Updates for Database Users

For Grantees

The Healthy Aging Program Integrated Database (HAPID) is where grantees and database users to enter workshop data and track performance for both falls prevention and CDSME evidence-based programs. Learn more about HAPID features, including how data could impact reporting. 

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.

New Report Detailing the Key Issues Facing Older Adults

The Latest Research in Aging Services

NCOA fields surveys and analyzes the latest data to understand the shifting needs of older adults, especially those who are most at risk of health and financial insecurity. Explore our latest research reports and findings.

A group of seniors is in a classroom setting, taking notes while a speaker is presenting.

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