Village Santa Cruz County – The Village – is a non-profit, dues paying organization whose members are committed to choosing how aging is lived and valued. We are a network of neighborhood community circles providing educational, social and volunteer opportunities to enable members to create and maintain a vibrant and nurturing support network. Essentially, we are elders helping elders navigate the changes, challenges and joys of aging.  Each of us has years of experience and wisdom that we can share with others. We seek to live out our lives in healthy and productive ways.

By the year 2030, 30% of Santa Cruz County’s population is estimated to be over age 65.  A Senior Needs Assessment by our county’s Area Agency on Aging states that for the first time isolation and depression are among the top 10 issues for older adults. There is increasing evidence of the negative health effects of loneliness and isolation on older adults.

It is clear that healthy aging requires social care as well as medical care. The Village model has been shown to be effective in lessening social isolation and creating strong community connections.