The Church as Advocate in Aging

Religious organizations constitute by far the largest single network of voluntary community organizations serving the needs of the elderly in American society. The dramatic increase in the numbers of people 60 years of age and older, which will increase to 5500 million by the year 2025, calls for a refocusing of efforts from direct services to a few to advocacy with and in behalf of all older people. The National Interfaith Coalition on Aging has played a major role on the national scene. The World Plan of Action on Aging includes a specific role for non-governmental organizations in the recommendations for implementation on a global scale. The mission of the Church as advocate for the aging has only begun.