Inspired by the White House Conference on Aging, held for the first time in January 1961, the providers also wanted to advocate for the revolutionary policy changes—including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act—they expected the White House Conference to set in motion. They hoped to change forever how the country viewed aging and how it provided services and supports to older adults.

Six decades later, our small association has grown into LeadingAge, a 5,000-member organization of nonprofit providers who are proud to follow in the footsteps of our founders. Like those founders, we remain committed to helping our members live out their shared mission of compassionate service to older adults. We continue advocating for universal access to high-quality programs and services for older adults. And we are steadfast in our goal to be the trusted voice for aging in America.