WHAT IS GREATER NILES VILLAGE?

Greater Niles Village (GNV) is a non-profit, member-driven organization led by a Board of Directors. We are a vibrant community of neighbors who share our skills and support to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. Greater Niles Villagers believe a better experience of aging is possible when we can grow with and rely on each other.

WHO IS A VILLAGER? YOU!

• you are an older adult in Fremont, seeking community, programs, and expertise to continue living a life of purpose and promise;
• you are an adult child of a Fremont senior, looking for resources and partners to enhance daily life for your aging parent(s) and for assistance as a caregiver;
• you are a potential volunteer, at any age, wishing to contribute your expertise towards a purposeful and powerful space for learning, laughter, and courage.

WHY JOIN A VILLAGE?

Villages are dedicated to positively impacting health and interdependence by assisting members to form social networks and secure practical assistance to age safely and successfully in their own communities. GNV’s members enjoy stronger community connections, less isolation, increased independence and enhanced purpose of life. In Villages, older adults are empowered to remain in charge of their lives.

NOT A PLACE, BUT AN IDEA

(Adapted from Village to Village Network, <vtvnetwork.org>)

The Village Model is “Neighbors Caring for Neighbors”! Villages are non-profit, consumer-driven, self-governing, grassroots community-based organizations. Designed to be inclusive, Villages are formed through a cadre of caring neighbors who want to change the paradigm of aging. Villages promote staying active by coordinating recreational, social, educational and cultural programs. These social activities minimize isolation and promote interaction amongst peers. Villages become the foundation for connecting members to a full range of support services to help with non-medical household tasks, services, programs and transportation.

Villages are well positioned to improve the population health of the communities they serve. In Britain and the United States, roughly one in three people older than 65 live alone, and in the United States, half of those older than 85 live alone. Studies in both countries show the prevalence of loneliness among people older than 60 ranging from 10% to 46%.

The Village Movement originated in Boston with Beacon Hill Village leading the way for a more economically efficient model for aging. A 2010 survey by AARP found that nearly 90% of older adults in America want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. The Village model helps seniors to age in a place of their choosing, connected to their communities with the supports and tools they need to create successful aging of their own design. Village members experience reduced isolation, increased independence, and enhanced purpose of life.