At its March 2009 Aging in America conference, the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy organization, made several awards to leaders and organizations “whose exceptional work improves the lives of older Americans.”

The Denver, Colorado–based Rose Community Foundation received the Arthur Flemming Award for its work “in social change for social benefit and long-standing commitment to older adults in the community.” The foundation launched Boomers Leading Change to engage people over age 55 in opportunities for ongoing employment, community service, and lifelong learning. Through its grants, Rose promotes change in communities around organizing care and support for both seniors and caregivers, with particular attention to the needs of low- and moderate-income seniors. The foundation also plays a leadership role in strengthening the existing network of aging resources, including initiatives that bring together community and government partners to address key issues in aging. (Silver Planet is a 2009 recipient of a Rose Foundation matching grant.)

Mather LifeWays, an Illinois-based nonprofit, received the Jack Ossofsky Award for its innovative programs, most notably the Café Plus model, a pioneering program that revolves around a café-like environment where active people 55 and over can socialize, take diverse educational classes, participate in health and wellness programs, and eat made-to-order meals.

Robert H. Binstock received the Ollie Randall Award for his lifelong commitment to aging issues. He was director of the first White House Task Force on Older Americans in 1967, is former president of the Gerontological Society of America, has served on governmental and foundation advisory boards affecting policy on aging, and wrote Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America with James H. Schulz. He is professor of aging, health, and society at Case Western Reserve University.

Sandra King received the Geneva Mathiasen Award for her career-long focus on the needs of older people. As executive director of Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Los Angeles, she was the driving force behind providing social services throughout the LA area and is known for the JFS innovation called “The California Network,” which offers case management services statewide along with other community-based programs to help the frail elderly remain in their homes.