Senior Centers and Policy Advocacy: Changing Public Perceptions

Abstract

As critical components of the aging continuum of care, senior centers promote older adult health and well-being by providing opportunities for recreation, socialization, nutrition, health education, and access to vital social services. Nationally, a vast network of 11,000 senior centers serves over four million older adults annually. As the United States population ages rapidly, public funding, which is the primary source of support for a majority of senior center services, has remained stagnant. If senior centers are to continue to effectively serve older adults and meet their comprehensive needs, they need to demonstrate their relevance to the community and advocate for increased funding support. This paper explores the policy concerns of senior center administrators, investigates their efforts to influence public policy, illustrates advocacy techniques currently utilized by them, and highlights the learning needs of administrators in this regard. Practice implications for senior centers, their constituents, and gerontological education are provided.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Marietta Bobba, Howard Bedlin, and Jim Firman of the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for their pioneering work in public policy analysis and advocacy. They are tireless advocates for older adults and their social safety nets. This study was the brainchild of Marietta and Howard, and we would like to thank them for their guidance and commitment.