Which term best describes services not owned or operated by the government that support older individuals to live well?

• A. Senior centers
• B. Faith communities
• C. Non-profit organization
• D. Private social programs

Answer: (D)

The key idea is identifying services for older adults that are run by private entities rather than the government. Private social programs describe services provided by private organizations—such as nonprofit groups, for-profit organizations, or faith-based groups—that offer social supports to help older adults live well. These programs focus on activities that enhance well-being, such as transportation, meals, social interaction, and caregiver support, and operate independently of government ownership or control.

Senior centers can be run by government or community organizations, so they’re not inherently private. Faith communities do provide support, but they’re a subset of private groups with a religious focus, not a general term for all non-government social services. The broad category of non-profit organizations includes many kinds of work beyond social services for older adults, so it’s less precise. Private social programs best capture the idea of services not owned or operated by the government that aim to support aging individuals in living well.