14 People and Organizations Advocating for Older Adults

Older adults face complex challenges, from chronic illness and caregiver shortages to financial hardship and age discrimination. Globally, advocates are working to improve policies, reshape public attitudes and strengthen support systems for these aging populations.

Below are 14 influential leaders and organizations advocating for older adults through research, public policy, community programs and education. If you’re interested in becoming a senior advocate or pursuing a career in aging, these examples highlight the real-world impact of dedicated advocacy work.

Influential Leaders Advocating for Older Adults

These individuals — even those no longer among us — are continuing to improve the standard of living among older adults.

Rosalynn Carter

Before her teenage years, late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter took care of her father, grandfather and younger siblings. In 1987, she harnessed the desire to help others developed in her youth by founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

The organization supports family caregivers by forging cross-sector partnerships, spearheads research projects and strategic initiatives, creates and implements evidence-based programs and advocates for beneficial public policy.

Maria Shriver

Journalist and author Maria Shriver has published the Radically Reframing Aging & Longevity Guide as part of the Sunday Paper portion of her website. This free guide highlights the accomplishments of today’s older adults and shares many valuable resources for them. In addition, she has founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM), now a partner of Cleveland Clinic.

John A. Hartford

A member of the family that founded the A&P supermarket chain, Hartford was a wealthy philanthropist who established his own foundation in 1929. Hartford had no children, and when he died, he left his considerable fortune to the foundation to continue his mission.

The John A. Hartford Foundation is dedicated to “transform[ing] how the care of older adults is delivered.” Over the past 50 years, the organization has awarded grants totaling more than $724 million “to enhance the health and well-being of older people.”

Ashton Applewhite

Writer, activist and public speaker Ashton Applewhite has made combatting ageism — “the last socially sanctioned prejudice,” as she calls it — her mission in life. She authored the critically acclaimed book “This Chair Rocks” to tackle the judgment and discrimination aging people face today. She also runs a blog and online advice column called “Yo, Is This Ageist?” in which she addresses readers’ ageism concerns.

Organizations That Support and Advocate for Older Adults

National and international organizations play a critical role in advancing senior advocacy, funding research, influencing public policy and delivering direct services to older adults.

AARP is commonly associated with senior discounts and its signature magazine. However, AARP, alongside the affiliated AARP Foundation, seeks to “end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity.” The organization helps improve quality of life for older adults by providing support for those late in their careers or past traditional working age, as well as through legal advocacy, public policy advocacy and grants.

AARP is just one example of many government, nonprofit and private agencies and organizations offering resources and assistance to older people. Other noteworthy organizations leading advocacy efforts include:

Key Takeaways

What does an advocate for older adults do?
Advocates for older adults work to improve policies, healthcare systems and community resources that affect aging populations. Their efforts may include public policy work, legal advocacy, caregiver support, research or educational outreach.

Which organizations advocate for older adults in the United States?
Major organizations include AARP, the National Council on Aging, the Administration for Community Living and other nonprofit foundations focused on aging policy and senior care.

How can I become an advocate for older adults?
Many professionals pursue graduate education in aging studies, gerontology or medical sciences before working in healthcare systems, policy organizations, research institutions or nonprofit advocacy groups.

3 Credentials for a Fulfilling Gerontology Career

If you’d like to advocate for the needs of older adults, consider a career in gerontology, medical physiology, aging or geriatric practice. You can kick-start this professional journey by completing an online program from the University of Florida:

Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies (30 credits)

Explore aging from biological, clinical, ethical, legal, psychological and sociological viewpoints with the aim of becoming an advocate for older adults. No thesis required.

Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging (30 credits)

Interested in gerontology but wish to keep your career options open? The curriculum of this program is drawn from both our master’s degree in innovatie aging studies and our graduate certificate in medical physiology, so you can pursue a career in a broader range of healthcare specialties.

Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice (15 credits)

Sharpen your skills and strengthen your medical school application in our online graduate certificate program. If you decide to continue with one of our master’s degrees in aging after earning your certificate, you may be eligible to apply up to 15 credits from this program!

Take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the service of older adults. Apply now.

14 People and Organizations Advocating for Older Adults