In an ideal world, children take care of their aged parents. They would care for them the same way they were cared for, provide as they have been provided for. Reality tells us otherwise, as the aged are placed in nursing homes, away from their families.

To improve the living conditions of these elders, many nonprofit organizations promote awareness and provide services that can help improve the facilities in nursing homes. One of these organizations is the National Council on Aging (NCOA). This advocacy group is headquartered in Washington, DC, and was established in 1950.

The NCOA acts as the national voice for elderly Americans, as well as other local organizations that represent their cause. Unlike other nonprofits, NCOA goes beyond providing specific services; they take a look at the situation on a large scale and bring together other nonprofit organizations, private businesses, as well as local government units to collaborate and push for creative solutions to make the lives of seniors better. Everyday, they work with thousands of organizations located all over the country to help older adults live independently, find jobs, secure benefits, improve health care, and remain active participants in the community.

The National Council on Aging has several social impact goals, namely healthy, economic security, and public policy. For health, their specific goal is to improve the health of 4 million seniors ridden with serious health problems, by providing cost-effective health programs.  They also aim to provide comprehensive services that give way to a significant increase in their income and a decrease in their daily expenses. Lastly, the organization pushes for the strengthening and the protection of major public programs for disadvantaged older adults.

The NCOA was given a rating of “A+” by CharityWatch, the highest rating that this charity evaluator can give. For over 60 years of dedicated commitment to serving the elderly, the National Council on Aging deserves this merit.