Who Are We?
The Vital Aging Network (VAN) builds the individual and civic capacity of older adults to create vital communities in which people of all generations work together to find the right balance between meeting the individual needs of its people and achieving the common good.
Identity
VAN builds the individual and civic capacity of older adults to foster vital communities.
The organization is lead by a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds who volunteer their time and believe deeply in the need for people of all ages to be engaged, contributing members of society.
What We Do
The ALVA Leadership Development Program prepares civic leaders to be co-creators of communities that work for all generations. VAN provides information and dialogue on our website, in our e-Bulletin, and at monthly VAN Forums. We are developing a model for engaging experienced adults in vital communities. In addition, VAN partners with VAN Ventures, initiatives that further the ideals and principles of vital aging.
Core Principles
The Vital Aging Network is organized around these core principles:
- Vital aging is a lifelong process of achieving individual potential and engaging with others to meet the needs of all.
- Everyone has the capacity to live a vital life no matter what his or her level of ability.
- Older adults have the power to positively affect the quality of their own lives and the lives of others.
- A vital community engages all generations in working together to balance individual good with common good.
- Older adults are contributors in their communities and society at large.
- Institutions and communities benefit when they recognize older adults as assets and contributors.
- Individuals and communities have a responsibility to address and resolve inequities that affect older adults in our society.
- Individuals and organizations benefit when they sustain practices that support vital aging.
Primary funding for VAN is through a grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies.