Senior Organizations

If you're an older adult or you're caring for an older relative, it's helpful to know which senior organizations you can trust. This is not a definitive list, but each organization below serves as a fount of helpful information.

In creating this list, we've highlighted respected organizations that offer valuable tips, resources and pertinent information you can use right away. Consider it a kind of cheat sheet to help you find out the best places to turn when you need guidance on senior care.

Senior Aging Organizations

Where do you find answers to your questions about aging? There are over 57.8 million adults ages 65 or over in the U.S.,¹  and that number is quickly growing. About 82 million Americans are projected to be 65 or older in 2050.²

With the rising number of seniors, the organizations and resources below can provide crucial tips and support at a time when it's greatly needed. Below are some great aging-related organizations.

• AARP: This large and respected membership organization offers a phenomenal range of benefits to people ages 50 or over. The benefits include discounts on various products and services, access to insurance options (health, life, auto and more), resources for learning new technologies, and robust guidance on job searching. AARP is also a good source for well-researched articles, videos and apps on senior health, finances, caregiving, dementia, travel and other topics relevant to older adults. The articles in AARP's magazine and the AARP Bulletin are also excellent.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: This valuable resource features an eldercare locator and local-, state- and regional-specific information that helps seniors age in place and remain in their homes. Area Agencies on Aging assist older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. so they can live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. Area Agencies on Aging also advocate through legislation to support seniors.

Senior Living Organizations

Keep reading for information, tips and resources on senior living communities and getting care in and outside the home, including pricing and how to pay for it.

SeniorLiving.org has comprehensive articles to address your needs. Let us help you find the best situation for your specific requirements and provide important information on costs and ways to subsidize your care. Check out our articles to find details on:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Nursing homes
• Memory care
• Home care
• Respite care
• Adult day care
• Help paying for senior home care
• Private payment options for senior living and home care
• Paying for senior living with no money

Senior Health Organizations

For reliable health information and resources, seniors and their families can confidently rely on these organizations:

• The National Institute on Aging (NIA): The NIA's research-backed information on health and aging is packaged in user-friendly language and comes directly from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It offers practical guidance on managing age-related conditions and promoting healthy aging. Covering topics from Alzheimer's to mobility, you'll also learn about the latest in aging research to inform your health-care decisions.
• Medicare: Visit the official U.S. government website to learn about Medicare, compare Medicare plans, locate doctors and medical facilities, check coverage for tests and procedures, and find out about preventive services. The site also offers information on advance directives and long-term care planning.
• The Health in Aging Foundation: The nonprofit organization, affiliated with the American Geriatrics Society, provides information on how to manage multiple medications, as well as common geriatric conditions such as arthritis and dementia. Get tips on how to discuss complicated health issues with doctors, ask the right questions and understand treatment choices. They also offer guidance on how to prepare for appointments, advocate for yourself and understand medical jargon.

Senior Work Organizations

Perhaps you need more income than your Social Security checks provide or you're looking for work to stay active and challenge your mind.

The following organizations are very helpful for older adults seeking employment:

• The Center for Workforce Inclusion: A nonprofit organization that's over 60 years old, the Center for Workforce Inclusion focuses specifically on adults 50 or older seeking employment. The organization has secured employment for clients with over 5,000 employers, has 200 local training and employer partners nationwide, and was recently awarded a $181.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support workforce training for unemployed older workers. It offers specialized programs, advocacy and partnerships to help seniors navigate the job market.
• Workforce50: The commercial company assists experienced late-career professionals seeking remote, freelance or flexible jobs. It provides a wealth of advice, articles and resources. It also has a job board and offers tips on preparation, personal marketing and the search for meaningful work.
• RetirementJobs: Another for-profit company, RetirementJobs connects older workers with vetted, age-friendly employers — minimizing concerns about ageism in the workplace. The site offers tips, articles, one-on-one support and job listings by category and state.

Senior Legal Organizations

For information on advance directives, power of attorney, trusts and estates, review our elder law and senior legal matters guide.

For information about justice, abuse and other legal issues pertaining to seniors, check out the following:

• Justice in Aging: This national nonprofit advocates for seniors' access to Medicare and Medicaid, challenging policies that limit affordable health care. They also fight for protections against senior scams and financial exploitation, and ensure senior access to housing and nutrition assistance.
• The National Center on Law and Elder Rights: This governmental site provides resources primarily to professionals. It's a good starting point if you're seeking legal guidance. Their insights into elder law can help families understand the legal landscape and navigate complex situations.
• Adult Protective Services (APS): This is the primary state agency to report elder abuse in every state. They investigate reports and coordinate protective services. State ombudsman programs and bar associations can also provide assistance.

Watch the video below to learn more about the legal, social and financial help available to older adults. SeniorLiving.org's editor in chief, Jeff Hoyt, speaks with attorney Eric Olsen, executive director of the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm, an organization that serves seniors.

Senior Volunteer Organizations

Volunteering offers older adults a powerful way to remain engaged, contribute their knowledge and skills, and foster a sense of purpose in their communities. The organizations connect older adults with diverse volunteer opportunities.

Here are some organizations that match the talents and interests of seniors with meaningful service:

• AmeriCorps Seniors (formerly Senior Corps): Operated by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), AmeriCorps Seniors is the premier program for senior volunteering. The umbrella organization offers volunteer opportunities in communities, sometimes through national service programs. Want to bring groceries to an elderly neighbor, help a child read better or assist a family recovering from a natural disaster? AmeriCorps Seniors may be for you.

Here are some other CNCS programs under the AmeriCorps tent you may be interested in:

• RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program): The program links seniors with local volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests. Often run through Area Agencies on Aging, RSVP offers flexible ways to give back to the community.
• The Senior Companion Program: The program matches seniors to adults who need assistance with daily living tasks, companionship and support to help them maintain their independence. The federally funded program also offers a modest stipend to offset time volunteering.
• Seniors Foster Grandparent Program: The federally funded program engages seniors in tutoring and mentoring children in schools, childcare centers and other settings. The program provides foster grandparents with a small stipend to offset volunteer expenses.

Some other volunteer organizations include:

• Volunteer Match: This U.S. nonprofit is the No. 1 volunteer network for all ages. It digitally connects organizations to people looking to help based on location and interest. It's not specifically for seniors, but you can easily find animal welfare, advocacy for seniors and community-based opportunities.
• Projects Abroad: This organization offers international volunteer opportunities for older adults, such as working in the Galapagos Islands. They have short-term Grown-up Specials with groups and Flexi-Trips if you prefer working independently. The opportunities allow seniors to use their skills and work experience in various fields to help abroad.