Aging in place—the ability to remain in one's home and community as we grow older—is a goal for many older adults. However, challenges such as transportation, home maintenance, and social isolation can make it difficult to remain independent. This is where villages - sometimes called senior villages - come in.
What Are Villages?
Villages are grassroots, membership-based organizations that support older adults in maintaining their independence, and staying in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The village movement began in the early 2000s, inspired by the first such community, Beacon Hill Village in Boston. Since then, the model has spread across the United States, with hundreds of villages now operating to help older adults live independently with dignity and connection.
How Villages Work
Unlike physical retirement communities, villages are not actual places but networks of volunteers, local businesses, and service providers that offer assistance tailored to members’ needs. Most villages provide:
Volunteer Support: Assistance with household tasks, transportation, and technology.
Social Engagement: Activities, discussion groups, and outings to combat loneliness.
Trusted Referrals: Vetted service providers for home repairs, healthcare, and other necessities.
Wellness Programs: Exercise classes, wellness checks, and educational workshops.
Each village operates independently, often with a small paid staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. Membership fees help sustain operations, but many villages offer sliding-scale options or scholarships to ensure inclusivity.
The Benefits of Villages
Aging with Dignity – Older adults maintain control over their lives, making choices about their care and lifestyle.
Community Connection – Members develop strong social bonds, reducing loneliness and fostering friendships.
Cost-Effective Support – By utilizing volunteers and partnerships, villages provide affordable assistance compared to traditional care options.
Peace of Mind for Families – Loved ones know their older relatives have a safety net of support.
Eastside Friends of Seniors: A Village in Action
Eastside Friends of Seniors (EFS) embodies the village model, providing essential services that enable older adults to live safely and independently in their own homes. Serving older adults in Issaquah, Sammamish, and the Snoqualmie Valley, EFS mobilizes dedicated volunteers to offer:
Transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and essential errands.
Friendly visits and companionship to combat social isolation.
Light home maintenance and repairs to ensure a safe living environment.
Assistance with paperwork and technology to help older adults navigate modern challenges.
Social events and activities that foster engagement, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Eastside Friends of Seniors (EFS) fosters social engagement and community connections for older adults through gatherings, outings, and group activities like book clubs and workshops. As a community-driven nonprofit, EFS ensures all seniors, regardless of income, receive support to maintain independence. By linking older adults with volunteers, EFS strengthens the community by promoting community interdependence. Villages like EFS showcase the power of grassroots solutions, enabling seniors to stay active, connected, and at home with the help of compassionate volunteers and a strong support network.
Comments