by Jon Stojan

Aging Forward is a national alliance of affiliate organizations, working to make a revolutionary impact on the older adult demographic. Established in 1974, the alliance celebrates 50 years of dedication to the ever-evolving social and cultural needs of America’s aging population.

A charismatic minister and advocate for change, Dr. Elbert Cole founded the organization as a response to a growing demand for educational opportunities, volunteer services, and social programs – specifically designed for older adults to make meaningful contributions to their local communities. Fostering an environment where people are supported in their daily lives and offered learning and development opportunities, Aging Forward has successfully established 55 affiliate partnerships and enriches the lives of over 165,000 older adults every year.

Fifty years since its inception, the organization continues to offer invaluable support services for active and dedicated members of its programs. Executive Director Sarah Cheney adds: “In the last 5 decades, our work has overcome many unprecedented challenges of the contemporary global landscape. In particular, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that social isolation can be a lonely and unfulfilling experience for all – even more so for older adults living away from friends and family. We help such individuals find a place of belonging, a community where they feel truly valued and personally enriched.”

Aging Forward Alliance offers a range of valuable resources, from educational classes and sports clubs to art and culture programs and daily support services. Classes cover an array of engaging topics, including computer and technology, finance, and literature – while daily support is provided through assistance with transportation and minor home repairs and chores. Among others, these services help to partner older adults with the support they need to continuously grow, develop, and engage with the wider society; in joining the Aging Forward alliance, they are welcomed into an inclusive, interfaith community of like-minded individuals that soon become invaluable friendships.

Depending on the individual needs of their community, affiliates of Aging Forward have curated the best-suited resources for each locality – standing as independent non-profit organizations in their own right. Over the past 50 years, Aging Forward has continuously championed its core values of inclusion and solidarity, proactively reframing the way older adults are perceived in the modern context. Through Aging Forward, they are empowered to learn new skills, join a supportive network, and reinvigorate their communities along the way.

Positioned at the forefront of the aging field, the long-standing success of Aging Forward represents its promising potential to lead transformational social development across the United States. Welcoming new volunteers and potential donors, the organization seeks to achieve a larger national impact and reach more communities – paving the way for a revolutionary social movement.

Source: https://www.laweekly.com/aging-forward-celebrating-50-years-of-dedication-to-older-adults-across-the-united-states/