General Archives - WelbeHealth

Celebrating Healthy Aging: How Communities Help Older Adults Thrive

August 21, 2026

Quick Answer

Healthy aging means finding ways to stay healthy, active, and connected as we get older. Good healthcare is part of it. So are healthy foods, time with family and friends, safe ways to get around, and doing things we enjoy. Strong communities can help older adults stay independent and live well.

Healthy aging is about caring for your body and mind.
Spending time with others can help us feel less alone.
Having a safe way to get around can help older adults stay independent.
Healthy food and staying active can help us feel our best.
Doing things we enjoy can give us purpose.
Strong communities can help older adults get the care and support they need.

Key Takeaways

Healthy aging is about more than going to the doctor.

The people around us and the places where we live can also help us stay healthy as we get older.

A strong community can help older adults get to doctor visits, find healthy food, stay active, and spend time with others. It can also help older adults keep doing the things they love.

Here are six ways communities can help older adults live well.

How Does Staying Connected Help With Healthy Aging?

Spending time with other people can help us feel happier and less alone. Friends, family, neighbors, and community groups can all help older adults stay connected.

Staying connected can sometimes get harder as we age. Friends or family may move away. A loved one may pass away. Health problems or not driving anymore can also make it harder to get out and see other people.

Communities can help by giving older adults more ways to connect with others. This can include:

Visiting a senior center or library
Joining a community or faith group
Going to local events
Sharing a meal with family or friends
Talking or walking with a neighbor
Joining a walking group
Taking a class or trying a new activity

Small connections can make a big difference. Having regular chances to spend time with others can help older adults feel connected to the people and community around them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that staying connected to other people can help our health.

How Can Getting Around Help Older Adults Stay Independent?

Having a safe way to get around can help older adults stay independent. It can make it easier to:

Get to doctor visits
Shop for food
Pick up medicine
Visit family and friends
Take part in community events and activities

Getting around can become harder when a person no longer drives. Without a ride, even simple tasks can be hard.

Communities may offer different ways to help older adults get around, such as:

Public buses
Local shuttles
Volunteer drivers
Rides through some healthcare programs

A safe ride does more than help someone get to the doctor. It can help older adults stay active, see other people, and keep doing the things they enjoy. Families can also use tools like Rides in Sight to look for transportation options in their area.

How Do Healthy Foods and Staying Active Help With Healthy Aging?

Eating healthy food and finding ways to stay active can help older adults feel their best. Communities can make both easier.

Meal programs, farmers markets, community gardens, parks, walking groups, and exercise classes are a few ways communities can help.

Staying active does not have to mean going to a gym or doing a hard workout.

It can be as simple as:

Taking a walk
Stretching
Dancing
Gardening
Playing with grandchildren
Taking a group exercise class

The goal is to find safe ways to keep moving.

Older adults should talk with their healthcare team about what is safe for them.

The National Institute on Aging also has tips to help older adults eat well, stay active, and care for their health.

Why Is It Important to Keep Doing Things You Enjoy?

Doing things we enjoy can give us something to look forward to. It can also help older adults feel connected and part of their community.

Older adults have years of skills, stories, and life lessons to share.

There are many ways to stay involved. An older adult might:

Spend time with family
Volunteer
Help or teach someone
Join a community or faith group
Learn something new
Garden
Enjoy a favorite hobby

There is no one right choice.

What matters is finding things that bring joy and help each person feel connected.

The National Council on Aging also shares ideas that can help older adults stay connected as they age.

How Can Care That Works Together Help Older Adults?

Healthcare can be easier when doctors and other care team members work together. This can be very helpful for an older adult who has many health needs.

An older adult may see more than one doctor. They may take several medicines. They may also need help with things at home.

Keeping track of all this can be hard for the older adult and their family.

A care team can help.

Doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, dietitians, and other team members can share information and work toward the same goals.

For some older adults, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers this kind of support.

PACE brings healthcare and other services together in one program. For people who qualify, PACE helps older adults who need a nursing home level of care keep living safely at home and in their community when possible.

How Can Communities Better Support Older Adults?

A good place to start is by listening. Older adults should have a say in choices about their health, care, home, and daily life.

Families, care teams, and community leaders can ask simple questions:

“What is important to you?”

“What would make your day easier?”

“What do you enjoy doing?”

“What do you want to keep doing?”

Then, listen to the answers.

We should not decide what an older adult needs without asking them.

Supporting older adults is not only about helping when something goes wrong. It is also about helping people keep doing the things they love and living life in the way they choose.

Expert Tip: Ask What Matters Most

Healthy aging looks different for everyone.

One person may want to keep making their own meals. Another may want to go to church each week. Someone else may want to garden, see their grandchildren, or keep living in their own home.

Instead of asking:

“What do you need help with?”

Try asking:

“What is most important to you right now?”

That one question can help families and care teams find the right ways to help.

Building Communities Where Older Adults Can Thrive

Strong communities can help older adults stay healthy, active, and connected.

They can make it easier to find rides, healthy food, healthcare, fun activities, and time with other people.

As we head into September, there is even more reason to talk about how we can help older adults live well.

September is Healthy Aging Month and National PACE Month. It is a time to celebrate older adults and learn more about the programs and services that can help people as they age. See resources on healthy aging.

Healthy aging is not something anyone has to do alone.

Family, friends, neighbors, healthcare teams, and community groups can all help. Sometimes, something as simple as friendship can make a meaningful difference. See how connection comes to life in our Power of Friendship story.

PACE is one way healthcare and other support can work together for older adults who have more health needs.

With the right support, older adults can keep doing more of what matters to them and living with independence, dignity, connection, and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is healthy aging?

Healthy aging means finding ways to care for your body and mind as you get older. Eating healthy food, staying active, seeing your doctor, spending time with others, and doing things you enjoy can all help.

Why is community important as we age?

A strong community can help older adults stay active, independent, and connected. It can also make it easier to find rides, healthy food, healthcare, and things to do with other people.

How can older adults stay connected?

There are many simple ways to stay connected. Older adults can spend time with family and friends, volunteer, join a group, take a class, go to local events, or enjoy a favorite activity with others.

How can older adults stay active?

Staying active can be as simple as walking, stretching, dancing, gardening, or joining an exercise class. The best choice is one that is safe and enjoyable. Older adults can ask their healthcare team which activities are right for them.

How can communities help older adults?

Communities can offer rides, healthy food, social events, safe places to stay active, and access to healthcare. They can also listen to older adults and make sure they have a voice in their community.

What is PACE?

PACE stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program for older adults who meet certain health and other requirements. It brings healthcare and support services together in one program.

The goal is to help people who need a nursing home level of care keep living safely in their community when possible.

Learn More About Helping Older Adults Thrive

At WelbeHealth, we believe older adults should be able to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

Through PACE, our care teams work together to support each person’s health and daily needs. Our goal is to help older adults keep living safely at home and in their communities.

Learn more about WelbeHealth and how we support older adults and their families.

WelbeHealth – KCAL9 – Morning Mix

September 2, 2025

WelbeHealth President Dr. Matt Patterson joins CBS KCAL Morning Mix to talk about the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model: what it is, who qualifies, and why it’s such an important option for seniors and families exploring care.

Understanding Thyroid Health for Seniors

January 19, 2024

Our thyroid health is a pivotal factor in our overall well-being. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your doctor, you can support a healthy thyroid even as you age.

WelbeHealth Opens Bay Area PACE Center

January 4, 2024

New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

SAN JOSE, California—The physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin Jan. 1, 2024.

“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”

Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.

“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”

More than 4,000 PACE-eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by more than 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.

“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth. “It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind.”

PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.

WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, homecare aides and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities and transportation address social determinants of health.

View the original article here

senior depression

Tips for Seniors Dealing with Depression During the Holidays

December 21, 2023

The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness for seniors. WelbeHealth offers tips to help cope with feelings of sadness, loss, and health issues during this special time.

WelbeHealth Opens Bay Area PACE Center Serving Vulnerable Seniors

December 13, 2023

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the need for integrated health services in Santa Clara County and southern Alameda County, a diverse community with thousands of PACE eligible seniors.

New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas

See photos of WelbeHealth’s new San Jose PACE center here

Today, the physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin January 1, 2024.

WelbeHealth San Jose Center Physical Therapy Room

WelbeHealth San Jose Center Living and Social Room

“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”

Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.

“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”

Over 4,000 PACE eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by over 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.

“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth. It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth.

PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.

WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood, and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.

About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program.

About Sutter Health
Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers supports more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high-quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services. As part of its commitment to improving community health, Sutter invested $899 million in the community in 2022 – this amount includes traditional charity, the unreimbursed costs of providing care to Medi-Cal patients and investments in community health programs.

For more information, please visit welbehealth.com and sutterhealth.org

CONTACT:

Nate Goehring, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com
Angharad Bhardwaj, Angharad.Bhardwaj@welbehealth.com

ETTV America takes you through WelbeHealth’s New Center in Rosemead

November 7, 2023

View the video on ETTV.

Elected Officials and Health Care Advocates Demonstrate Support for WelbeHealth’s Expansion in Southern California

November 3, 2023

US Rep. Tony Cárdenas, CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CA State Asm. Luz Rivas and Asm. Mike Fong, Alzheimer’s Association and LeadingAge CA among local leaders who attended events marking the expansion of WelbeHealth’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in LA

New locations in North Hollywood and Rosemead provide community-based and at-home health care to thousands of underserved seniors

A diverse coalition of elected officials, advocates for vulnerable seniors, and local health care organizations joined WelbeHealth for the grand opening celebrations of WelbeHealth’s new Los Angeles locations in North Hollywood on October 6 and Rosemead on October 13.

WelbeHealth Rosemead Community Celebration

WelbeHealth Rosemead Ribbon Cutting

Speakers at the events included US Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CA State Assemblymembers Luz Rivas and Mike Fong, Rosemead City Council Member Sandra Armenta, Rosemead Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Clark, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron, and LeadingAge CA President & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin. WelbeHealth participants Ronald Timmermeyer and Huy Luong also gave testimonials about the positive impact WelbeHealth has made in their lives.

“We are honored to have the support of such esteemed elected officials and community leaders. Our team strives every day to serve the elders of our community like Mr. Timmermeyer and Mr. Luong with the highest quality and compassion, helping them feel connected and at home while caring for their clinical and social needs,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, MD.

California elected officials and health care advocates voiced their support for WelbeHealth’s leadership in expanding access to community-based senior health services across the Los Angeles area through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The new locations are poised to help meet the needs of over 9,000 seniors eligible for PACE within a 20-minute drive of the two centers. WelbeHealth is committed to ensuring every qualified senior can benefit from comprehensive care.

WelbeHealth delivers fully integrated care that allows frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wraparound support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.

Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron emphasized the impact of WelbeHealth’s PACE services: “WelbeHealth is delivering critical services to vulnerable seniors and their family members like memory care rooms and transportation. I wish my grandmother had access to PACE services.”

Studies have demonstrated life expectancy is higher among PACE participants and depression is much lower than among comparable populations. Beyond improving participant lives, caregivers report high satisfaction.

“I will continue to support legislation for our seniors, and I am grateful that WelbeHealth is bringing their program to the San Fernando Valley where my constituents can benefit from their wrap-around services,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA 29^th District). “PACE can help us deliver higher quality care to our community at a lower cost. I am proud to be here with WelbeHealth, who are helping bridge the gap providing opportunities for patients to have their health care needs met at home.”

With most participants, dual eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal, PACE offers a lifeline to lower-income seniors. California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-43^rd District) mentioned the struggle many seniors face paying for basic healthcare needs: “With WelbeHealth, everything is included for dual-eligible seniors. They don’t need to worry about paying for prescriptions or the dentist. It is really about lifting up the seniors in our community and ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.”

PACE is also making strides in addressing the needs of historically underserved communities. “Through the PACE model, WelbeHealth ensures that older adults can see culturally appropriate providers,” noted California State Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-CA 49^th District).

WelbeHealth breaks down health disparities in access to care. In Rosemead and North Hollywood, over 50% of seniors primarily speak a language other than English. “I value the fact that WelbeHealth employs multilingual staff members and offers activities to serve the needs of our diverse community in a beautiful setting,” said California State Senator Susan Rubio (D-CA 22nd District).

All speakers confirmed that access to PACE should continue to be a priority in California. LeadingAge California’s President & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin stated, “We know that PACE delivers transformative benefits for vulnerable older adults at a lower cost. We should ensure all eligible seniors have access to PACE.”

Both new locations began enrolling participants on July 1, 2023. WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Pasadena, Long Beach, and Fresno.

For more information about WelbeHealth North Hollywood, visit here.

For more information about WelbeHealth Rosemead, visit here.

About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth’s development partner for the beautiful Rosemead facility was Turner Impact Capital.

Media Contact:

Nate Goehring, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com
Angharad Bhardwaj, Angharad.Bhardwaj@welbehealth.com

CBS LA Morning Mix – WelbeHealth

October 20, 2023

View the video on YouTube

WelbeHealth Issues Statement on Passage of 2023-2024 Budget

June 29, 2023

Menlo Park, CA – Amy Shin, Chief Mission Officer, WelbeHealth issued the following statement in response to the California Legislature passing a 2023-2024 state budget:

“WelbeHealth appreciates the commitment the California Legislature made to support vulnerable seniors by passing a budget that includes additional resources for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Increasing the capacity of the Department of Health Care Services to administer PACE will help ensure that more eligible frail seniors have access to PACE and can more quickly benefit from comprehensive care.

“Securing additional resources for DHCS was a priority for WelbeHealth and CalPACE, and WelbeHealth worked in close collaboration with a coalition that included Leading Age California, California League of United Latin American Citizens, and American Nurses Association\California to ensure this important budget item passed.

“WelbeHealth is grateful to the Governor and the California Legislature for their support of PACE, and we look forward to further collaboration so we can continue to grow this critical program and improve the quality of life for aging seniors.”

ABOUT PACE

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive, whole-person health care program for frail seniors living with chronic health conditions and other complex needs that enables them to continue to live in the communities they know and love. PACE is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, costing on average 15% less than the cost of caring for a comparable population through other Medi-Cal services.

PACE organizations have a proven track record of seamlessly planning and managing all aspects of care for seniors – medical, social, and supportive services. PACE participants are over the age of 55, live in a PACE service area, and have been deemed eligible by the state for a nursing home level of care. More than 70% of PACE participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.

ABOUT WELBEHEALTH

WelbeHealth is a physician-led, mission-driven organization founded to serve the most vulnerable seniors with compassionate and quality care, in a pure value-based model. WelbeHealth manages the entire care portfolio for participants including their primary, specialty, and behavioral health care, ensuring they get to and from appointments, helping them navigate any necessary paperwork, providing assistance with activities of daily living, and ensuring they have enriched lives through social and emotional care.

Back to News Page