National Council on Aging

ncoa.orgNew Poverty Numbers Show More Older Adults Face Economic StruggleThe U.S. Census Bureau just released annual data on poverty, income, and health insurance, showing that poverty among older adults has risen to 15%. Recently, vital programs, like SNAP and Medicaid, h...

9 Sept 2025

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate among Americans age 65+ has increased to 15%. This means that over 9.2 million are struggling to afford basic necessities. Read NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin’s statement. ⬇️

ncoa.orgIs Dental Covered Under Medicare?Original #Medicare Parts A and B take care of a lot--but when it comes to dental, coverage is limited. Get the facts on what your plan does and doesn't cover.👇

During Medicare Open Enrollment, find out: ✅ What types of dental services are excluded from traditional Medicare ✅ What services are covered ✅ And how to expand your dental coverage to get the care you need #Medicare #OpenEnrollment #Healthcare #DentalHygieneMonth

newsday.comStewart Manor senior launches Hire a Neighborhood Kid serviceThe nonprofit HANK pairs teens with seniors in Garden City, Floral Park and Stewart Manor to help with household chores, such as vacuuming, gardening, snow removal and more.

What happens when generations connect? Reduced loneliness, stronger communities & meaningful relationships. Read in Newsday how Hire a Neighborhood Kid (HANK), pairs teens with older adults for household help, tech support & companionship. 💙

Since 1965, the #OlderAmericansAct has helped millions of older adults access essential community-based services. 🎧 Listen to the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs podcast feat. NCOA President & CEO Ramsey Alwin to hear why OAA matters & more: https://bit.ly/4k19fQ5

ncoa.orgNational Day of Action 2026: Communities Unite to Fight Online ScamsFighting online scams takes more than awareness. 127 people. Four cities. One shared call to action: It's time to do more to fight online scams and protect people from fraud. See how communities came together on September 30, 2026.

Last month, NCOA joined the National Day of Action organized through the United to Stop Online Scams coalition. NCOA-hosted events in four cities to share experiences, reduce the stigma around scam victimization, and call for stronger action against online fraud. Read more! ⬇️

ncoa.orgMedicare Open Enrollment 2027: 3 Steps to Take NowGet ready for Medicare Open Enrollment with three steps to review your coverage, find savings through BenefitsCheckUp, and avoid Medicare scams.

Medicare Open Enrollment starts TODAY, Oct. 15! Whether you’re enrolled in #Medicare or helping someone who is, now is the time to review your plan, check for savings & make sure coverage still fits your needs. Take these 3 steps during #OpenEnrollment. ⬇️

ncoa.org2027 Social Security COLA: Rising Health Costs May Outpace BenefitsNCOA responds to the 3.6% Social Security COLA for 2027, warning that rising health care and living costs may outpace benefit increases for older Americans.

The 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for #SocialSecurity benefits in 2027 doesn't reflect the true cost of aging well in America & won't provide relief from rising housing, health care, food, & utility costs. 📢 Read Ramsey Alwin’s statement. ⬇️

Today on #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate the voices, stories, traditions & strength of Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities that enrich our nation. We’re also highlighting Eunice Straight Head, an Indigenous photographer & participant in NCOA’s annual photo contest. 📸

Scams can be very convincing. They are designed to generate feelings of fear, urgency, or trust & Americans lose billions every year to AI & tech-enabled online scams. 📣 But together we can stop them! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TB9uqa #StopOnlineScams #Scams #FraudPrevention

The way we talk about aging matters. It shapes how we see ourselves and how we treat others. Today, on #AgeismAwarenessDay, visit The National Center to Reframe Aging to learn how to challenge assumptions and stereotypes—because we’re all aging and ageism affects us all: https://bit.ly/4nXMUS9

Americans (of all ages!) lose billions each year to AI and tech-enabled online scams. Last week, NCOA staff joined events across the country, co-hosted with the Alliance for Retired Americans, for the National Day of Action to stop online scams.

bit.lyUnited to Stop Online ScamsA coalition that brings together organizations and advocates to address the growing harms of tech-enabled online scams and fraud.

At the events, attendees watched a PSA from the Motion Picture & Television Fund featuring scam survivor Kate Kleinert. There were also discussions about how we can work together to prevent them. 🎥 Watch and share the PSA. ⬇️

We’re now accepting presentations for Age+Action 2027! Join us June 14-17 in Arlington, Virginia to share your expertise and insights with other aging professionals from across the country. 📅 Submission deadline: Friday, Dec. 11 ➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rLPONd

ncoa.orgSocial Isolation vs. Loneliness: What's the Difference?Loneliness, social isolation, and social disconnection are all related--but they don't mean the same thing. Understanding what you're experiencing can help you find the type of connection and support you need. Learn the key differences and explore simp...

Can a lack of social connection affect our health? Research shows that social disconnection is linked to a higher risk of health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Explore these simple strategies to build meaningful social connections. 💙

National Council on Aging reposted

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy

@lurieinstitute.bsky.social

Meet the speakers for Session 1, ‘State-Level Innovations to Address the Direct Care Workforce Crisis,’ of our upcoming Virtual Convening, 'Ensuring the Future of Direct Care Supports for People with Disabilities: Combating the Workforce Crisis!' Register: TinyURL.com/DCWconvening

ncoa.orgWays to Age Well: Resources for Living a Longer, Healthy LifeAs we age, our health and financial well-being should be a top priority. Find tips, tools, and resources to keep you happy, healthy, and financially secure as you juggle your everyday responsibilities...

Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money! #AgingWellForAll

Happy #InternationalDayOfOlderPersons! 🎉 This year’s theme of rethinking systems for longer, healthier lives aligns perfectly with our mission and goal to create 100 million happier, healthier birthdays. Because we all deserve to age well and live with dignity, purpose, and security. 💙

ncoa.orgShare Your Senior Center StoryWhether you're a senior center employee, a caregiver who depends on a senior center for a loved one's health care delivery, or an older adult who relies on the vital community services that senior centers offer to help keep you healthy and independent--...

Senior centers impact the lives of millions of older adults in big and small ways every day. As #SeniorCenterMonth wraps up, we'd love to hear you senior center story! Tell us how your senior center has impacted your life or your community. ⬇️

Last week, Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO attended Georgetown University's Center for Retirement Initiatives' Family Caregiving and Financial Security Summit to talk about how we can all work together to better support America's caregivers. 💙

Flu season starts in October, so now's the perfect time to get your flu shot! Last week, Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO got hers—and encourages others to do the same. 💉 Getting vaccinated is a simple & effective way to protect yourself & others: https://bit.ly/4yV00Fj

ncoa.orgStop, Think, Verify: Inside a Senior Center's Fight Against ScamsScammers are constantly changing their tactics, but one habit can make all the difference: Stop. Think. Verify. See how one South Florida senior center is helping older adults recognize scam warning signs, build confidence, and stay one step ahead of fr...

Scammers are experts at what they do, and they target everyone—no matter their age. Senior Centers can help older adults stay one step ahead through education, conversation, and community support. Read how one senior center in Florida is fighting against scams. ⬇️ #SeniorCenterMonth #Scams

ncoa.orgHow a New York Senior Center Makes You Feel Like FamilyLearn how Cheektowaga Senior Center makes everyone feel welcome and goes the extra mile on connecting local older adults to services and supports thanks to full-time outreach coordinators.

"Many of our members call us their second home and spend multiple days per week with us." Read about how the Cheektowaga Senior Center fosters a family atmosphere. 💙 #SeniorCenterMonth #AgingWell #Community

Building healthy habits can be even more fun when we build them together! Happy #FamilyHealthAndFitnessDay 💙✨ Looking to build muscle mass? Check out our article for tips and information: https://bit.ly/4d1vwZV

ncoa.orgHow Can Older Adults Make Their Bedrooms Safer?Your bedroom should be a place to rest—not a place where falls happen. 🛏️ Simple changes can help you sleep more safely and stay independent longer. Read our guide to bedroom safety for older adults a...

TIP OF THE DAY: In the bedroom, fall risks can hide in plain sight. Some common bedroom safety hazards include: ❌ Loose throw rugs that can slide or curl up ❌ Electrical cords stretched across walkways ❌ Poor lighting Check out our bedroom safety guide to help reduce fall risk! ⬇️

We've got some exciting news to share during #FallsPreventionAwarenessWeek! Our recently published article on the 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan in Clinics in Geriatric Medicine is FREE to download through Oct. 27. 📖 Access the article: https://bit.ly/4h941QB

21 Sept

This #FallsPreventionAwarenessWeek, state falls prevention coalitions, community-based organizations, senior centers, and other organizations are helping raise awareness about falls, falls prevention, and aging well! ✨💙

21 Sept

Today, NCOA staff joined a #FPAW2026 event hosted by our friends at the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), Home Care Partners and Safe at Home DC. Thank you for kicking off Falls Prevention Awareness Week with such a fantastic community-focused event.

21 Sept

Attendees could: ✅ Get vision, balance, strength, and blood pressure screenings ✅ Learn about supportive shoes, assistive devices, home modifications, and how medications can affect fall risk ✅ Get home safety tips and checklists ✅ And even test a stair lift!

20 Sept

Falls Prevention Awareness Week officially starts tomorrow, but raising awareness for preventing falls is important all year long! Share these 6 steps to help reduce falls risk. And check out our other falls prevention videos, infographics and more: https://bit.ly/4A7JyTt #FPAW2026

ncoa.orgHow to Maintain Muscle After 50: Exercise, Diet, and MoreLoss of muscle that comes with aging is called sarcopenia. While sarcopenia is part of aging, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Our guide breaks down the types of diet and exercise that will help you r...

19 Sept

Regular exercise, good nutrition, and healthy habits can help maintain muscle mass and strength as we age, supporting mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Read more about what you can do to build and maintain muscle mass. 💪🏼 💪🏽 💪🏿 #AgingWell #Sarcopenia #OlderAdults

ncoa.orgCreate Awareness with NCOA's Falls Prevention Awareness Week ToolkitEveryone falls, but preventing them among older adults is especially important. Use and share NCOA's Promotion Toolkit to encourage older adults to be falls free during #FallsPreventionAwarenessWeek, ...

18 Sept

Together, we can make falls prevention a priority. 💙 Join us Sept. 21-25 for Falls Prevention Awareness Week (FPAW)! Check out our #FPAW2026 toolkit and follow along throughout the week for tips, events, and falls prevention resources. 😀 #FallsPrevention #Falls #OlderAdults

We all deserve to age well. But for millions, financial insecurity makes that harder. New U.S. Census Bureau data shows that more than 10 million older Americans lived in poverty in 2025. ➡️Read Ramsey Alwin’s statement: bit.ly/4hwn6MA

The poverty rate for older adults was 15.4% in 2025, higher than for all other age groups and the national rate.

Poverty is not just about quality of life. It literally robs older adults of longevity. NCOA and UMass Boston research found that people age 60 and older who earn $20,000 or less per year die 9 years earlier than those who earn $120,000 or more annually. www.ncoa.org/article/anal...

ncoa.orgSuicide Prevention for Older Adults with Vision or Hearing LossLiving with low vision, blindness, or deafblindness can increase an older adult's suicide risk. We all can play a role in making sure suicide prevention is accessible.

14 Sept

We all face experiences that can affect our mental health & well-being. That’s why support needs to be accessible. 💙 During #SuicidePreventionMonth, learn how to support the mental health & well-being of older adults with vision loss and deafblindness.

ncoa.orgGrounding Techniques for Stress: 20 Ways to Feel More CalmGrounding techniques can help you manage stress by bringing your attention back to the present moment. Try these simple grounding exercises using your five senses.

14 Sept

If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed grounding techniques are simple exercises that can help you refocus. Learn how to incorporate grounding techniques into your self-care routine. ⭐ ⬇️ #SelfCare #WellnessTips #MentalHealth

ncoa.orgSix Wellness Activities to Share With Your GrandchildrenFun and games can be good for you and your grandchildren. Try these ideas from Healthy Generation's Daniel Hatcher to boost everyone's mental and physical health.

13 Sept

Grandparents play an important role in helping children thrive by providing love, stability, and support. Make memories together with these wellness-focused activities for grandparents and grandkids! 😀 #GrandparentsDay #Wellness #Connection

13 Sept

A grandparent's love lasts forever. 💙 Today's #GrandparentsDay, but every day is a great day to celebrate the people who've shaped our lives! NCOA staff shared their favorite photos with their grandparents and we're happy to share some of those memories.

learn.ncoa.orgFree Webinar: Learn How to Be a Better Digital CitizenLearn practical strategies for staying safe, spotting scams and misinformation, communicating respectfully, and building positive connections online.

11 Sept

Join our FREE webinar to learn how to spot misinformation, avoid scams, protect your information, and build positive connections. 📅 Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 🕑 2:00 p.m. ET ⬇️ Register today!

apnews.comMobility tests can tell doctors a lot about how you're aging, but there are many other factorsStrength and mobility tests are often touted as measurements of healthy aging and even predictors of longevity, but they’re no crystal ball.

10 Sept

Mobility tests like standing up from the floor, checking your grip strength, or assessing your balance can offer clues about your stamina and risk of falling. But they can't predict everything. NCOA's Emily Nabors shares insights with @apnews.com. ⬇️

learn.ncoa.orgFree Webinar: Build a Stronger LinkedIn Profile with AILearn how to use Microsoft Copilot and AI prompt-writing techniques to create stronger LinkedIn profile content in this free IBM SkillsBuild webinar.

8 Sept

Looking to grow your career or expand your professional network? A strong LinkedIn profile can help showcase your skills, highlight your experience & stand out to employers. 📅 Join our webinar with #IBMSkillsBuild on Sept.16 for tips! Register below.

youtube.comStart by Listening: Creating a Healthy Aging Program on Flathead ReservationYouTube video by National Council on Aging

8 Sept

By listening to the perspectives and feedback of tribal elders, Tribal Health of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, created more effective mobility, balance, and strength programs that help older adults stay active and engaged with their community. #HealthyAgingMonth #TribalHealth

7 Sept

Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and lasting contributions of people of all ages. Thank you to those who have helped build our communities and continue to make a difference every day! 💙💚💛 #HappyLaborDay

6 Sept

Looking for simple ways to manage your blood pressure? These three tips can help! And don’t forget to share them with your community. 🫀 #HealthyAgingMonth #BloodPressure #AgingWell

5 Sept

Opening up about your mental health journey—good, bad, or messy—creates space for healing. Start a conversation with tips and information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://bit.ly/4wTn31M

4 Sept

At 82, M.R., who had fallen twice in a year, joined a falls prevention program & learned how to use smart lighting to make her home safer. With your support, we can help more older adults access life-changing programs and resources.💙🏠 Donate today: https://bit.ly/3ApIAIn

2 Sept

What makes Fussell Senior Citizen Center in Katy, Texas so unique? It's a place where people show up for each other, differences are celebrated & newcomers are made to feel immediately welcome. 🌟 ➡️ Read more to see how this senior center is thriving: https://bit.ly/4gHqOS1

ncoa.orgFalls Prevention Awareness and YouDuring Falls Prevention Awareness Week and beyond, NCOA has tools and tips for preventing older adult falls.

1 Sept

This fall, help us prevent falls! 🍂🧡 Falls Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 21-25, 2026. Many falls are preventable. Taking steps to prevent falls helps us age well & keeps us doing the things we love. Check out our resources! ⬇️ #FPAW2026 #FallsPrevention

1 Sept

"The sense of community is just amazing here!" Experiencing loneliness can be common as we age. But joining a senior center can help older adults feel connected and form real friendships. 💙✨ #SeniorCenterMonth #Community #OlderAdults

wpr.orgMillions of older Americans don't have enough to eat, as food prices rise beyond fixed incomesInflation in food prices can hit even harder for people in their 60s and older as they also juggle fixed incomes, health problems and changes in federal law. Experts say the age group is a “forgotten ...

31 Aug

Eating well is a key part of aging well, but as prices rise, putting healthy food on the table can be difficult—especially for older adults living on fixed incomes. NCOA's Jessica Johnston talks with @npr.org about food insecurity among older adults. ⬇️