Helping You Age
with Dignity

Who We are

Aging with Dignity is a non-profit organization that defends the rights of all people as they approach the end of life. It was founded in 1996 by Jim Towey, legal counsel and close advisor to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In a letter, she urged him to “defend and protect life, the most beautiful gift of God,” and to “bring God’s love and compassion to the elderly poor.” Her encouragement continues to inspire our mission.

1. 2 M
FW Distributed in 2024
43 M
Distributed to Date
15 K
Healthcare professionals trained in 2024
5200
Distributing Organizations in 2024
Latest from Aging with Dignity
Pope Francis

Friend of the poor and elderly

Video: Remembering Pope Francis

The Pope of the Gutters

Starting a Caregiving Business?

Things to think about before jumping in

Tolstoy and Tolstoy 2

Passover and Easter and the triumph of life

Is a Good Death Possible?

Death can be beautiful

Springtime Shows Our Past and Future

Jamie's Corner: Chapter Ten

What We Believe

  • Aging is a blessing, not a curse
  • Humans come first
  • Finish life with confidence
About AWD

What We Deliver

  • Advocacy and influence
  • Educational resources
  • A hopeful vision for your final days
View Resources

Explore Our Resources

Explore resources to plan your care, stay informed on critical issues, and access tools that uphold dignity and empower decisions at every stage of life.

Five Wishes

America’s #1 Advance Care Planning Program

Learn More
Jim Towey’s Blog

The bi-weekly blog of our Founder and CEO Jim Towey addresses various topics related to human dignity.

Learn More
Understand the Issues

Find the right resources for you and your situation.

Learn More
Assisted Suicide Watch

Our flagship research program shines a light on the impact of physician-assisted suicide on our society, especially the vulnerable.

Learn More
Jamie’s Corner

A bi-weekly column on issues that impact the young and old alike.

Learn More

See for Yourself

Support Our Work

With your generosity, we can help people find peace of mind in their final days. Join our mission
with a tax-deductible gift today, and let’s make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Make A Donation