NCOA Showcases Solutions for Improving Elder Economic Security at 2012 ASA Aging in America Conference

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Millions of older Americans are struggling financially and are not taking advantage of benefits, work opportunities, and other programs that could help make ends meet.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100615/NCOALOGO)

The coordination of community resources to better serve struggling older adults is a key theme during the National Council on Aging's (NCOA) sessions on economic security for older adults at this year's 2012 ASA Aging in America conference.

Aging in America is the nation's largest gathering of professionals from the fields of aging, health care, economic security, and senior education. Full details on the conference can be found at www.ncoa.org/AginginAmerica2012.  

NCOA's sessions on economic security take place on March 29 and 30 and include topics such as:

• Expanding Resources for the Aging Network: Demystifying the SNAP Outreach Plan in Your State
• Getting the Full Benefit of Benefits for Individuals and Communities
• Improving the Health and Economic Security of Isolated Seniors
• Creating a Path to Economic Security for Older Adults: National & Local Reflections from a Promising Pilot
• Mind the Gaps: Using Your Community's Resources to Improve Access to Public Benefits for Seniors

"While the U.S. economy has shown signs of improvement, still far too many older adults are struggling just to get by," said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president for economic security at NCOA. "I'm excited that at this year's conference, NCOA has an opportunity to demonstrate how grassroots partnerships and mobilization of community resources can positively impact elder economic security."

NCOA's Approach to Economic Security

NCOA offers several important programs that provide hope and assistance to seniors in need, including:

• NCOA's Economic Security Service Centers, which offer low-income older adults with one-on-one, holistic counseling to develop personalized "economic action plans."
• BenefitsCheckUp.org, a free online screening tool that searches over 2,000 federal, state, local, and private programs to help seniors pay for prescription drugs, utility bills, meals, health care, and other needs.
• HomeEquityAdvisor.org, which helps older homeowners get information, tools, and advice on how to use and protect the value in their homes.
• One Away, an innovative, national video advocacy campaign that gives voice to vulnerable older adults who are struggling to make ends meet in today's economy.
• Benefits Enrollment Centers, which provide person-centered assistance to vulnerable seniors and younger adults with disabilities to find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they are eligible.
• The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which trains low-income workers aged 55+and places them in community service job in 11 states, with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
• The Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) program, which provides an opportunity for retired and unemployed older Americans aged 55+ to share their expertise in jobs for the Environmental Protection Agency.

About NCOA  
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org | www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging