LatinaLista — It’s often said that the most vulnerable of the population are its children. While that is true, it’s also true that a close second for that title are senior citizens. When language and cultural differences are thrown in the mix, then it becomes imperative that there be someone, some agency, who can advocate for these seniors.
The Latino Center on Aging (LCA) does just that.
Founded in 1991 in New York City, the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) seeks to advocate for improved services for Latino seniors, and educate the seniors about various options available to them.
Many of the existing services to the elderly are not accessible to Latino seniors due to language and cultural reasons. Since the Latino elderly are more likely to live under poverty than other seniors, the need for services is even more striking.
LCA meets the needs of Latino seniors by bridging a gap between existing services and Latinos; and by advocating for the development of senior centers geared directly toward the needs of Latino seniors.
Education has been a key element of LCA in getting the message out about Latino seniors to city social service agencies and the medical community. Through seminars and conferences, the LCA has elevated the voice of Latino seniors and their unique needs and situations, in the process raising awareness.
From conducting conferences on elder abuse to creating a food campaign, the LCA strives to remind legislators and policy makers not to forget that Latino seniors need to be a part of the national discussion.
