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Date:  September 27, 1995
For Release:  Immediately
Contact:  Moya Beniot Thompson, AoA (202) 401-4541

National Aging Information Center Opens

Fernando M. Torres-Gil, HHS assistant secretary for aging, today officially opened the National Aging Information Center (NAIC) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C. NAIC is the main component of an information-gathering and disseminating network designed by the Administration on Aging to provide convenient access to a wide range of resources for those interested in aging and aging policy issues.

"We are delighted to launch this unique and valuable resource for those who are moving in new directions to meet the challenges of an aging society," Torres-Gil said. "In the first few months of operation, the center will serve professionals in the field who are working to create policies and programs tailored to the characteristics of a growing and diverse older population in such areas as long-term care, nutrition and the needs of older women."

NAIC will serve policymakers and Congress, State and Area Agencies on Aging, aging services providers, educators, researchers, practitioners and eventually members of the general public. The center will respond to inquiries made in person and by letter, phone, fax and online by direct dial or Internet. Information specialists are available to search data bases, consult statistical tables, provide copies of publications and materials, and make referrals to other sources.

The center offers patrons a repository of Administration on Aging-funded research products, a computerized literature-retrieval system, a reading room and reference collection. In addition, NAIC will develop special reports on key aging issues, produce statistical reports and data tables, and compile an annual compendium of Older Americans Act research and services demonstration products. The center will also provide access to current products.

NAIC services provide computer access to its bibliographic data base which allows users to search across statistical data files for specific variables. The center makes available statistics from U.S. census data and other major national surveys, Census Bureau printed reports, statistical tables, and information from other federal agencies on services they provide to older Americans. The center will have access to data from federal agencies on the health, social and economic status of older Americans.

The center's bulletin board service and Internet Home Page allow users access to: aging demographic and other statistical data; Older Americans Act program reports and data; a bibliographic data base of products and other aging-related materials; listings of newly released NAIC publications; a calendar of aging network events; and a directory of organizations serving the aged.

For further information about NAIC, contact Saadia Greenberg of the U.S. Administration on Aging at (202) 619-3429 or NAIC at (202) 554-9800 (voice), (202) 554-0695 (fax) or naic@ageinfo.org (email).

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