🟫 Economic Justice for Older Adults
Advocating for dignity, security, and opportunity in later life
Older adults deserve to live with financial security, access to care, and respect for their contributions. Yet millions face rising health care costs, inadequate retirement income, housing instability, and systemic age discrimination.
These organizations, inclucing some in Washington state, are fighting for economic justice—expanding Social Security and Medicare, protecting vulnerable elders, improving the caregiving system, and tackling poverty among seniors. Whether you’re an older adult yourself, care for one, or simply want to stand up for economic dignity, these groups offer ways to get involved.
Most of these organizations welcome public involvement—through volunteering, advocacy campaigns, or simply sharing reliable information. Check their websites for specific opportunities.
Looking for more ways to make a difference?
This resource is part of my continuing series of issue advocacy guides at Plainly, Garbl. You’ll find 60 more—including voting rights, executive overreach, environmental protection, worker rights, peace and diplomacy, education, and disaster relief—at Advocacy Groups by Issue. Check back occasionally for new issues and updated guides.
Top Advocacy Groups
A leading legal advocacy organization fighting poverty among older adults. Focuses on securing Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, and affordable housing—especially for women, people of color, and LGBTQ elders.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Works to improve the economic security and health of low-income older adults. Advocates for strengthening the Older Americans Act, improving public benefits access, and preventing elder poverty.
Defends and expands Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while fighting to lower prescription drug prices. Active in grassroots organizing and policy advocacy to protect retirement security.
A coalition advancing better pay and protections for caregivers and more public funding for long-term care. Campaigns like Care Can’t Wait push for paid family leave and expanded home-care options.
Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA)
A coalition of 35 national organizations advocating for better training, pay, and workforce support for those caring for older adults. Aims to strengthen home- and community-based services.
Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA)
A grassroots group promoting retirement security, affordable health care, and environmental sustainability in Washington. Strong advocate for protecting Social Security and Medicare.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA)
Headquartered in Seattle, NAPCA ensures that elders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community can access Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Provides multilingual helplines, job training, and community outreach.
Washington Economic Justice Alliance
Coordinates the state’s “10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty,” which includes economic security strategies for older adults—covering housing, income supports, and equitable tax policy.
Columbia Legal Services – Economic Justice Project
Uses legal action to protect low-income Washingtonians—including seniors—from medical debt, housing discrimination, and financial exploitation.
GenPride (Generations with Pride)
Based in Seattle, GenPride focuses on economic and housing justice for LGBTQ elders. Manages Pride Place, Seattle’s first affordable LGBTQ-inclusive senior housing development.
A bipartisan coalition fighting elder abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect—key economic justice issues for vulnerable seniors.
More than meal delivery—this group fights senior hunger, advocates for federal nutrition funding, and highlights the economic impact of food insecurity among older adults.
Also at Plainly, Garbl
🟩 Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid
A ranked guide to organizations defending and strengthening core public health and retirement programs.
A ranked guide to advocacy organizations for every generation, from Boomers to Gen Alpha
Top Issues in Economic Justice for Older Adults
Social Security and Medicare protection: Defending and expanding benefits
Affordable long-term care: Funding home- and community-based services and caregiver pay
Retirement security: Strengthening pensions and savings options
Elder poverty reduction: Expanding SSI, food assistance, and housing support
Affordable housing for seniors: Protecting renters and creating senior-specific developments
Anti-ageism & workplace equity: Supporting older adults who want or need to work
LGBTQ and racial equity: Ensuring economic justice for historically marginalized elders
Elder abuse & financial exploitation prevention: Enforcing protections against scams and predatory practices
Food security & nutrition access: Strengthening funding for the Older Americans Act and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Tax & economic policy reform: Prioritizing elder needs in state and federal budgets