Together, we
create what's next...

Together,
we create what's next...

Get connected

Engage in ways that matter most to you. Find an Aging Forward Affiliate in your community.

Our mission

Join us in celebrating aging as an empowering experience.

About Aging Forward

Welcome to living and aging with vitality

Established in 1974, Aging Forward (formerly Shepherd’s Centers of America) is a pioneer in the national movement to age with meaning and purpose. Through educational opportunities, volunteer services, and social programs that strengthen communities and connections for all, Aging Forward is:

Life-changing programs
Enhanced quality of living
Unforgettable activities
New friendships
Vibrant healthier lives

Welcome To Aging Forward

We’re a national alliance of like-minded affiliate organizations, dedicated volunteers, and sponsoring partners.

Together, we’re challenging expectations and actively changing the narrative of aging – celebrating living our best lives now and building connections as we create our next chapter

Join the movement in your community!

Working together to celebrate aging as empowering

Aging Forward elevates and advances a national movement for engaging older adults in community and society, bringing communities together nationwide to realize our potential.

Community-based affiliates in 17 states

70718

Older adults provided with services at no cost

289608

Older adults engaged in lifelong learning

8412

Active volunteers across the national alliance

348055

Volunteer hours contributed each year

11068149

Value of services provided annually

Together stories

Meet Laura

"Each number represents a changed life."

Three times a week, you’ll find Laura at chair yoga class. She and her friends have carpooled together every week since it started in 2010. Laura is diabetic, but with her commitment to chair yoga, line dance classes, and cooking and nutrition classes with an Aging Forward affiliate—Laura’s doctor has taken her off insulin!... Read More

Meet Janis

"Volunteers with heart...
and muscle!"

At 86, Janis is a retired professor of physical education who’s taught aerobics three days a week for 15 years—logging more than 2,000 volunteer hours with her Aging Forward affiliate! Participants in her classes experience improved health and well-being, and they rave about Janis…Read More

Meet Katherine

"Before I had an existence. but now, I have a life!"

Katherine’s first experience with her local Aging Forward affiliate included a ride to an appointment by a friendly volunteer – who invited her to a Tai Chi class. Tai Chi not only improved Katherine’s balance, but it was there she discovered our Adventures in Learning programs and line dancing! Now, she travels… Read More

Take action

Be part of growing and serving together, making our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected as we live and age with vitality.

Get connected

Engage in ways that matter most to you.

Volunteer

Give the gift of time and change lives today.

Become an affiliate

Start a local group or join forces today.

National Gallery of Volunteer Excellence

Discover extraordinary contributions of volunteers who’ve passionately served older adults across the Aging Forward Alliance, embodying our shared mission of fostering meaningful living and empowering experiences.

A Legacy that Inspires, Empowers, and Redefines Aging One Story at a Time

Introducing A Proven Model for Positive Aging: A Collection of Life-Changing Stories, a compelling anthology that showcases authentic narratives of positive aging across America. This inspiring collection not only highlights the resilience and vitality of older adults but also ignites the continued growth of a nationwide movement, fostering a legacy of stories that celebrate the richness of aging during all phases of later life.