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. Our Five Wishes advance care planning program has helped bring peace and comfort to over 43 million families. We were 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.”

1. 2 M
Five Wishes Distributed in 2024
44 M
Five Wishes Distributed to Date
15 K
Healthcare professionals trained in 2024
5200
Partner Organizations in 2024
Featured on Aging with Dignity
Lessons from Bill Belichick and Mother Teresa

Jamie's Corner Chapter Twenty-Six: What Legacy Will We Leave Behind?

The Tragedy of Eileen Mihich

Shakespeare Had it Right

His play Hamlet holds life-and-death wisdom

Our Top Five from 2025 – Aging with Dignity’s Year in Review

Jamie's Corner: Chapter Twenty-Five

The Architects of Suicide-Affirming Care

Dangerous ideas lead to deadly practices

Shouting Hope

On Ben Sasse’s “death sentence”

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 favorite advance care planning program

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Jim Towey’s Blog

The blog of our Founder and CEO Jim Towey

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Jamie’s Corner

Our President takes on issues that impact the young and old alike

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Assisted Suicide Watch

Our flagship research program shines a light on the impact physician-assisted suicide has on the vulnerable of society

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Get the Help You Need

Find the right resources for you and your situation.

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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

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.

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