Together, we are the Aging Forward Alliance

Staying healthy and active into one’s 80s and 90s is critical for aging well and maintaining physical health and well-being. The Aging Forward Alliance offers an array of wellness programs, including weekly exercise classes, nutritional education, health screenings, and health literacy initiatives. All are designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and social support necessary for ensuring healthy lifestyles so participants can continue to do the things they enjoy most in life.

Day after day, in communities large and small across the U.S., older adults come together to take part in classes ranging from Tai Chi and yoga to square dancing, chair exercises, and line dancing. There’s even water aerobics and Zumba! Our caring affiliates also promote the wellness of caregivers, helping them remain healthy and safe in their caregiving roles. Our caregiver support groups and trademark Breaktime Club provide caregivers with a day of much-needed respite while their loved ones participate in enriching social activities with others.

You’re never too old—or young—to volunteer! For those at a stage in life where they feel called to give back, volunteering with their Aging Forward Affiliate is a rewarding way to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s an hour every few months or a regular daily activity, our volunteers forge new and lasting friendships, enjoy fresh experiences, and stay physically and mentally healthy by giving back.

Volunteers are the backbone in advancing our mission. They come from all walks of life yet shares a common desire to give their time to help others.

Day trips. Choral groups. Holiday parties. Overnight getaways. Dances. Museum stops. Intergenerational activities. Book Clubs. Every week one of our Aging Forward Affiliates hosts a life-changing, socially-enriching program for the older adults they serve. These trips and activities connect and engage them in learning, reduce feelings of isolation, and cultivate an active lifestyle and new friendships. Because our social enrichment programs are designed and driven by older adults at the helm, our affiliates stand apart from other programs where decisions are made by the organization.

We call this empowerment and the result is real. Ask anyone stepping off the bus from the last day trip, museum stop, or holiday party: our programs are deeply meaningful, memorable, and participants love the abundant opportunities for socializing, learning, and living a life of meaning.

Older adults who can safely age in place by staying in their own homes tend to enjoy greater happiness and better health. For many, the only thing standing between them and independent living is a bit of support from a helpful volunteer.

Every day across the country, friendly and reliable volunteers are ready to lend a hand to older adults in various ways: from changing lightbulbs or alarm batteries, to unclogging drains or installing handrails, to shopping for supplies or delivering meals, and even assisting with yard work. Sometimes it’s as simple as a friendly call or visit to check in and chat, while other times it involves advocacy to help resolve fraud or answer questions.

It’s the countless friendly, caring faces of the Aging Forward Alliance volunteers who show up on front doors every day that are helping older adults across the country remain safely and independently in their homes.