The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has set an ambitious goal of improving the health and economic security of 10 million older adults by 2020. The nonprofit's new 2013 Impact Report shows it has reached 1.5 million seniors so far.

"NCOA and our more than 2,000 community partners are very proud of what we have accomplished so far," said James Firman, NCOA president and CEO. "Our goal is bold, but achievable. Through innovative partnerships with community and national organizations, we can and will improve the lives of 10 million seniors, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged."

Mr. D is one of the 10 million. He was living on $200 a month in food stamps--until he found help through an NCOA Economic Security Service Center. A counselor helped him apply for and receive $1,187 in monthly Social Security disability payments and $1,700 in utility assistance. Today, Mr. D is able to maintain his independence--and his self-esteem.

NCOA is the nation's leading nonprofit service and advocacy organization representing older adults and the community organizations that serve them. As an active member of the Charting Impact initiative--a joint project of BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar USA, and Independent Sector--NCOA is committed to tracking, measuring, and reporting its social impact each year.

As detailed in NCOA's 2013 Impact Report, in fiscal year 2013, NCOA improved lives through:

  • Benefits Access--353,000 individuals applied for and received over $700 million in annual benefits
  • Home Equity--78,000 older homeowners used NCOA tools during counseling to decide if a reverse mortgage is right for them
  • Jobs--4,600 older workers received job training and placement
  • Economic Security--1,800 vulnerable seniors received one-on-one help connecting with services to improve their economic well-being
  • Chronic Conditions--39,000 individuals participated in evidence-based workshops online and in the community to better manage their chronic conditions
  • Falls Prevention--6,300 seniors discovered how to prevent falls
  • Behavioral Health--29,000 seniors learned how to manage their depression in community-based programs

To learn more--and see how you can be part of NCOA's 2020 goal--please visit www.ncoa.org/Impact and www.ncoa.org/GetInvolved.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the nation's leading nonprofit service and advocacy organization representing older adults and the community organizations that serve them. Our goal is to improve the health and economic security of 10 million older adults by 2020. For more than 60 years, NCOA has been a trusted voice and innovative problem-solver helping seniors navigate the challenges of aging in America. We work with local and national partners to give older adults tools and information to stay healthy and secure, and we advocate for programs and policies to improve the lives of all seniors, especially the most vulnerable. For more information, please visit www.ncoa.org.

National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Jean Van Ryzin, 202-600-3166
jean.vanryzin@ncoa.org