Evanston, Illinois (March 16, 2009) – Mather LifeWays, a unique not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating “Ways to Age Well,” is among select organizations and leaders being honored for their exceptional work to improve the lives of older Americans by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) at this year’s Aging in America Conference being held March 15–19 in Las Vegas.
Mather LifeWays, a NCOA member, is the recipient of the Jack Ossofsky Award, for its innovative programs, most notably the Café Plus model, developed through its Community Initiatives program. Café Plus is a pioneering program revolving around a café-like environment where active people 55 and better can socialize; take diverse educational classes; participate in health and wellness programs; and eat meals that are made-to-order.
The Café Plus model is the genesis for the three Mather’s—More Than a Café locations in Chicago. They are located strategically in neighborhoods with higher populations of older adults who are aging in place and want to stay connected and contributing to their communities.
“Mather’s—More Than a Café has grown in stature and is now considered a national model for Aging Well,” said Mary Leary, President and CEO, Mather LifeWays. “We are proud of the recognition the program has received, with visitors traveling all the way from Japan to see the Cafés in action.”
According to NCOA, the award is presented to individuals or organizations that have taken a creative, new idea and developed it into a successful program, service, or policy that helps older people achieve vital aging.
The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 17 as part of the NCOA/American Society of Aging in America conference.
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The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.
About Mather LifeWays
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM Founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and humanitarian Alonzo Mather, Mather LifeWays is a unique not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of living and care; making neighborhoods better places for older adults to live, work, learn, contribute, and play; and identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices for wellness, workforce issues, memory care support, and empowering caregivers. To learn more about our senior residences, community initiatives and Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, please call (847) 492.7500 or find your way to www.matherlifeways.com.
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