National Senior Center Month spotlights vital services that empower every person to age well 

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Armando Trull
Media Relations Manager
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armando.trull@ncoa.org

Arlington, VA (September 9, 2021) — The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the voice for every person’s right to age well, has received two five-year cooperative grants totaling $15 million from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the Department of Health and Human Services to continue supporting community-based organizations, health care entities, and others to implement and sustain programs that have been proven to help older adults prevent falls and better manage their chronic conditions.

This important work will reach underserved and diverse older adults and adults with disabilities at risk for or already experiencing fall-related injuries and disease such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and behavioral health conditions, including depression and substance use disorders.

“As our population continues to age, it is critical that we give every person the education and tools they deserve to age with their best possible health,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO.

“Through this work, NCOA will support our local partners and ACL grantees across the U.S. to bring practical, evidence-based solutions directly to older adults, empowering them to age well.”

One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and 60% of older adults have two or more chronic conditions. Both falls and chronic disease have a significant impact on an older adult’s health, financial security, and ability to live independently. ACL’s mission is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers.

The ACL grants will enable NCOA to assist in building capacity for the adoption and sustainability of programs that have been proven to improve health outcomes and save health care dollars among the older population.

“As part of the sustainability efforts, the newly funded Resource Centers will support the development and enhancement of Community Integrated Health Networks, an approach to better coordinate and integrate health care and community-based long-term services and supports, including evidence-based programs, that have historically operated as separate delivery systems,” Alwin said. “Improved integration will reduce the burden on older adults and caregivers of navigating different service systems, which often leads to confusion, stress, and a higher likelihood of institutional care and related costs.”

The National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Resource Center will continue to provide technical assistance, education, and resources to increase the number of older adults and adults with disabilities who participate in Chronic Disease Self-Management Education programs and other evidence-based programs that address a broad array of conditions common among older adults and adults with disabilities. Over five years, NCOA aims to reach and educate 50 million older adults and aging services professionals.

The National Falls Prevention Resource Center will continue to provide technical assistance, education, and resources to increase the number of older adults and adults with disabilities who participate in evidence-based falls prevention programs. Over five years, NCOA aims to reach and educate 200 million older adults and professionals on steps they can take to reduce falls risk factors, falls, and fall-related injuries.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. 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, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Follow us at @NCOAging.