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Neighbor News

A Place to Belong: How Hillcrest Supports Solo Agers in La Verne

Hillcrest in La Verne creates connection and peace of mind for solo agers through a vibrant, supportive community

Hillcrest in La Verne embraces the best of SoCal living, offering gardeners, artists, academics, lifelong learners and wellness enthusiasts an engaging, lively community.
Hillcrest in La Verne embraces the best of SoCal living, offering gardeners, artists, academics, lifelong learners and wellness enthusiasts an engaging, lively community. (Hillcrest)

As more Americans age without nearby family or children, many are seeking new ways to build connection, security and peace of mind for the years ahead. At Hillcrest in La Verne, supporting “solo agers” has become an important part of the community’s approach to positive aging.

A solo ager is someone who may be single or partnered, who is aging independently. According to AARP, about 24 million adults age 50 and older in the United States live alone, a number that continues to grow. As Boomers enter retirement, 19% of them don’t have children. Many are looking for a community of like-minded older adults as they age.

“Hillcrest is home to many solo agers, and we’ve built a thriving community to support them,” said Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest. “Our goal is to help people feel confident about the future while enjoying a vibrant and engaging lifestyle today.”

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Recently, the community welcomed nationally recognized solo aging expert Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, founder of LifeEncore, to lead a seminar on planning for a secure future. Her presentation explored ways solo agers can advocate for themselves, identify trusted resources and make thoughtful decisions about where and how they want to live.

At the Hillcrest presentation, Dr. Geber discussed the importance of social support for seniors and finding the right place to age in place.

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“Choosing the 'right place' to age is your key resource to achieving happiness and satisfaction in later life,” she said.

Tips for staying involved:

•Keep in touch with neighbors

•Dine with others - out or in

•Stay proactive with your health, including regular vision and hearing checks

•Maintain ties to places of worship

•Consider a pet for companionship

By fostering connection, lifelong learning and proactive planning, Hillcrest continues to create a place where solo agers can thrive.

Hillcrest is located at 2705 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA 91750. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit: https://livingathillcrest.org/ or call (657) 279-4495.

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