Voices

How community connection—and one woman’s story—shine a light on what’s at stake    Across Marin County, older adults are struggling with meeting their basic needs more than ever before. Rising costs, reduced federal support, and increasing isolation are creating challenges that no one should have to navigate alone—especially not our older neighbors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our community.    At Vivalon, […]

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors this Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the countless ways gratitude shows up at Vivalon—through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, meals shared, rides given, classes taught, and moments of connection that brighten someone’s day.   Every corner of our community is touched by people who care deeply.

Gerry Shannon has been a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver with Vivalon for four years. When he began, he didn’t realize how lonely many older neighbors could be—or how much one warm meal and a friendly knock could mean.   Before volunteering, Gerry spent 33 years as a San Francisco firefighter. He found deep satisfaction

For over 50 years, Vivalon has helped older adults and individuals with mobility challenges get where they need to go—safely, affordably, and with dignity. Today, our commitment to health and independence continues with Vivalon Rides for Health, a comprehensive transportation program that connects people to critical services, social opportunities, and everyday errands across Marin and

National Estate Planning Awareness Week | October 20–26    When Barb’s husband passed away, she found herself sorting through stacks of paperwork—accounts to close, insurance to track down, decisions to make. “I just kept thinking, I wish we had talked about this sooner,” she recalls.  A year later, Barb met with a local estate planner,

“You don’t look your age.” Most of us have heard that phrase before—maybe even said it ourselves. It’s often meant as a compliment, but it carries an assumption: that looking younger is somehow better.   That subtle message is one example of ageism—the stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination we face based on age. Ageism doesn’t just

Valeria remembers what it felt like to leap out of bed with energy and purpose. As a national track and field champion in Bolivia, she once lived in a body that felt limitless. Movement was her joy and her freedom.   But by the time she was seventy-six, everything had changed. Rheumatoid arthritis left her

Through a growing number of collaborations, Vivalon is bridging generations and building mutual respect, learning, and connection between students and older adults. From high school tech tutors to nursing students and graduate-level therapy interns, these relationships prove that when generations come together, community is deepened and everyone benefits.   High School Students: Bridging Generations and

At Vivalon, creating spaces of belonging, connection and support for older adults is central to our mission. This PRIDE month, we’re proud to shine a light on the work of Bill Blackburn, a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and the transformative connections fostered through the LGBTQ+ Older Adult Discussion Group he leads at Vivalon.   

Let’s Flip the Script on Aging   Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation in observing Older Americans Month (OAM)—a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the contributions and diverse experiences of older adults. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” invites us to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace a