We all need a helping hand at some point, and sometimes we want to give something back, too. Whether you’re looking for support or seeking to make a difference, there are incredible organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults across the country. From providing basic necessities like discounted meals and affordable housing to offering companionship and specialized health services, these charities address the unique challenges seniors face every day.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of seven exceptional charities that make a meaningful impact on seniors’ lives. Each organization brings its own approach to supporting older adults, whether through direct services, advocacy, or community programs. If you’re an older adult seeking assistance or someone who wants to contribute to a worthy cause, these charities are making a real impact.
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Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America tackles one of the most pressing issues facing older adults: food insecurity. According to recent data, more than 5.5 million seniors in the United States face the threat of hunger, and that number continues to grow as our population ages.1
What makes Meals on Wheels special isn’t just the nutritious meals they deliver; it’s the human connection that comes with each visit. Volunteers don’t simply drop off food and leave. They check in on recipients, provide friendly conversation, and serve as a vital safety net. For many seniors living alone, that daily visit might be their only social interaction.2
The organization operates through a network of more than 5,000 community-based programs nationwide, serving approximately 2.2 million seniors annually. These local programs are incredibly flexible, tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of their communities. Some deliver hot meals daily, while others provide frozen meals for the week. Many programs also offer additional services like grocery delivery, pet food assistance, and home safety checks.
Beyond feeding seniors, Meals on Wheels provides an invaluable early warning system. Volunteers are often the first to notice changes in a senior’s health, safety, or living conditions. They’re trained to recognize warning signs: an unanswered door, confusion, bruises from a fall, or a home that’s become unsafe. These observations can literally save lives by connecting seniors with emergency services or additional support before a crisis develops.
If you’re interested in supporting Meals on Wheels, there are multiple ways to get involved. You can volunteer as a meal delivery driver, donate financially, or advocate for increased funding at the federal and local levels. As of 2025, demand for Meals on Wheels services far exceeds capacity, with programs across the country maintaining waiting lists due to funding limitations.3
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The AFA was established in 2002 to provide support and information to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and to their caregivers and loved ones.4 This invaluable resource is made up of more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide.
It supplies a full range of information, educational tools for caregivers, a calendar of events, and various types of practical assistance. Whether you’re looking for the latest research, where to take caregiving classes, how to contact a support group, or how to register for a webinar, the AFA is your best bet.
They also have a section on their website on the value of “memory screening,” a useful diagnostic tool available nationwide and at no cost to you. (For the record, the AFA has provided more than four million free memory screenings to date.5) You can visit their website, or if you just need someone to talk to, call the Help Hotline at 866-232-8484.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
The National Council on Aging has been championing the well-being of older adults since 1950, making it one of the most established voices in senior advocacy. NCOA works to ensure that every person can age with dignity and economic security.
One of NCOA’s most powerful tools is BenefitsCheckUp, a free online service that helps seniors identify federal, state, and private benefit programs for which they may be eligible.6 Many older adults don’t realize they’re eligible for assistance programs that could significantly improve their financial situation.
The organization’s advocacy work addresses systemic issues affecting older adults, from fighting for Medicare and Social Security protections to promoting age-friendly communities and combating elder abuse. NCOA regularly works with policymakers to shape legislation that impacts millions of seniors.
What sets NCOA apart is its comprehensive approach. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of aging, they address the interconnected challenges seniors face—health, financial security, social connection, and access to services. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or a loved one, or you want to support their mission through donations or advocacy, NCOA offers multiple ways to engage.
AARP Foundation
While many people know AARP for its membership benefits and advocacy work, the AARP Foundation operates as its charitable arm, specifically targeting vulnerable seniors living in or near poverty. Their mission is straightforward but ambitious: to end senior poverty by helping older adults meet their basic needs and build economic opportunity.
Senior poverty is more widespread than many realize. Approximately 10 percent of adults age 65 and older live below the federal poverty line, and that number jumps significantly when you include those who are just above that threshold but still struggling financially.7
AARP Foundation tackles this issue through several key programs. Their SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) helps low-income seniors gain work experience and job skills through community service positions.
The Foundation also offers free tax preparation assistance through Tax-Aide, one of the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax assistance programs. Since 1968, Tax-Aide volunteers have helped more than 82 million taxpayers file their returns, ensuring they receive every credit and deduction they deserve.8
Eldercare Locator
Funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, Eldercare Locator serves as a public service connecting older adults and caregivers with trustworthy local resources.9 Think of it as a navigation system for aging services, helping you find exactly what you need in your specific community.
The service is remarkably comprehensive. Whether you’re looking for meal programs, transportation services, home care providers, legal assistance, healthcare resources, or caregiver support, Eldercare Locator can point you in the right direction. Their database includes information on services provided by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups.
You can access Eldercare Locator by calling their toll-free number (800-677-1116) and speaking with a trained information specialist, or by using their website’s search tool. The specialists can help you identify options based on your location and specific needs, making the often-overwhelming task of finding help much more manageable.
What’s particularly valuable is that Eldercare Locator connects you with local resources rather than trying to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Aging services vary tremendously by location—what’s available in a major city differs from what you’ll find in a rural community. Eldercare Locator understands these regional differences and helps you access what’s actually available where you live.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
Loneliness is a serious health risk for older adults, with research showing it can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.10 Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly specifically addresses this crisis through its team of volunteers who provide support, empathy, and friendship to seniors.11
Founded in France in 1946 and established in the United States since 1959, this organization takes a beautifully simple approach: creating genuine friendships between volunteers and isolated older adults. These aren’t professional relationships or clinical interactions; they’re real friendships built on companionship, respect, and shared experiences.
Volunteers commit to regular visits with their elderly friends, offering conversation, outings, help with small tasks, or simply someone to share a meal with. The relationship develops naturally, guided by the interests and needs of the older adult. Some pairs enjoy going to concerts or museums together, while others prefer quiet afternoons playing cards or sharing stories over coffee.
Little Brothers also organizes group activities and holiday celebrations, creating opportunities for seniors to connect with a broader community. These events—birthday parties, holiday gatherings, picnics, and cultural outings—help combat the social isolation that many elderly people experience, especially those without close family nearby.
The organization serves elders who are 70 and older, living alone or feeling isolated, and experiencing some level of hardship whether financial, physical, or emotional. They prioritize those who have limited social networks and might otherwise spend days or weeks without meaningful human contact.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging leads the federal government’s scientific efforts to understand aging and extend the healthy, active years of life.12 While NIA is primarily a research organization rather than a direct service charity, its work fundamentally shapes how we understand and address aging in America.
NIA conducts and supports research on aging processes, age-related diseases, and the special challenges and needs of older adults. This includes everything from basic biological research on why we age to clinical trials testing interventions that might extend healthy lifespan. Their research portfolio covers Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular health, diabetes, frailty, sensory impairments, and many other conditions that become more common with age.
One of NIA’s most valuable public-facing resources is its free, evidence-based information on healthy aging, disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions. Their website provides comprehensive information on topics such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, cognitive health, and caregiving, all grounded in scientific research rather than marketing or anecdotal evidence.
NIA also maintains several important research initiatives that directly benefit seniors. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, America’s longest-running scientific study of aging, has been tracking participants since 1958, providing invaluable data on how people age over time.13 The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers program supports 33 centers nationwide conducting research and providing diagnostic and treatment services.
For those interested in contributing to aging research, NIA-funded studies often seek participants. Joining a research study is a meaningful way to contribute to scientific knowledge while potentially accessing cutting-edge treatments and close medical monitoring. You can find information about recruiting studies by contacting NIA-funded research centers or on the NIH website.
How to choose where to donate or volunteer
With so many worthy organizations supporting older adults, deciding where to direct your time or money can feel overwhelming. Here are some considerations to help guide your decision:
Match your passion with impact.
Which aspect of senior well-being resonates most with you? If you’re concerned about hunger, Meals on Wheels might be your best choice. If you have personal experience with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association might feel like a natural fit. When you care deeply about an organization’s mission, you’re more likely to stay engaged and make a lasting difference.
Consider local versus national impact.
Many of these organizations operate through local chapters or affiliates. Donating or volunteering locally often means you can see the direct impact of your contribution and build connections within your community. However, supporting national organizations can help fund research, advocacy, and programs that benefit seniors everywhere.
Evaluate financial health and efficiency.
Before donating, research the organization’s financial transparency and efficiency. Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and CharityWatch provide ratings based on financial health, accountability, and transparency. Look for organizations that spend a substantial portion of their budget on programs rather than overhead and fundraising.
Think about your unique skills and resources.
If you’re considering volunteering, think about what you can offer. Do you have legal expertise? Transportation? Simply time and compassion? Different organizations need different types of support. Some need drivers, others need friendly visitors, and others need professional services donated pro bono.
Start small and learn.
You don’t have to make a major commitment immediately. Try volunteering for a few events, make a modest donation, or sign up for an organization’s newsletter to learn more about their work. As you become more familiar with their mission and impact, you can decide whether to deepen your involvement.
Tip: Many employers offer matching gift programs that double your donation’s impact. Check with your HR department to see if your company participates. Some employers also offer volunteer grants, donating to organizations where employees volunteer a certain number of hours.
The bottom line
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, or looking to give back to older adults in your community, these seven charities offer proven, impactful ways to make a difference. From delivering nutritious meals and combating isolation to funding critical research and advocating for policy changes, these organizations address the diverse and complex needs of our aging population.
Remember, supporting seniors doesn’t always require a financial donation. Your time, skills, and advocacy can be equally valuable. Many older adults simply need someone who cares: someone to check in, share a conversation, or help navigate an increasingly complex world. Whatever way you choose to get involved, you’ll be contributing to a society that values and supports all its members, regardless of age.
As we age, challenges arise, but they are also accompanied by wisdom, experience, and continued potential for joy and meaningful contribution. These charities help ensure that every senior has the opportunity to age with dignity, security, and a sense of connection. That’s a mission worth supporting.