Empowered Aging

11/24/2025

Who Will You Turn To As Your Loved Ones Age?

Every one of us can think of an older adult who needs help as they age. Families trust long term care facilities to meet the needs of their loved ones, but as staffing shortages grow and residents require more support than ever, many older adults begin to fall through the cracks. If you would like to support this work, you can make a gift here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/empoweredaging

Fred is one of many older adults whose lives changed because someone from our team showed up. At 93, he entered a long term care facility after losing his wife of 58 years. His daughter hoped he would receive the support he needed, but she soon noticed he was thinner, more withdrawn, and hesitant to speak up. Fred did not want to be a bother, so he stayed silent.

When our Ombudsman visited, Fred shared that arthritis and limited mobility made it difficult for him to feed himself. He often let his meals go cold rather than ask for help. As our staff member shared, “When Fred told me he let his meals go cold because he physically could not manage them alone, it was clear he felt invisible. No resident should ever feel like a burden just for needing help.”

Within days, we worked with the facility to ensure he received daily support and regular check ins. His daughter told us that for the first time, she felt someone was truly watching out for her father.

There are thousands of older adults just like Fred who rely on our presence. In the past year, Empowered Aging conducted more than 2,600 facility visits, investigated and resolved more than 1,500 complaints, and provided more than 13,000 consultations across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties.

Our vision is that aging people and people with disabilities living in long term care experience dignity, equity, and quality of life. Your support strengthens this vision and allows us to show up for residents who would otherwise go unheard.

Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Directors, all gifts made by December 31 will be matched up to 7,500 dollars, doubling your impact.

To make a gift or learn more about our work, please visit:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/empoweredaging

11/21/2025

🌟 Free Food & Nutrition Support for Seniors in Alameda County 🌟
If you’re age 60+ and live in Alameda County, the Alameda County Social Services Agency offers several programs to ensure older adults have access to healthy, nutritious meals. Learn more here:
🔗 https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/our-services/Health-and-Food/Other-Support/senior-food

👉 Programs Provided by Alameda County Social Services Agency:

Mercy Brown Bag Program: Supplemental grocery bags for adults 60+ at

We help individuals, families, and communities access services and public benefits that make a difference in their lives.

11/13/2025

📣Let’s keep our neighbors fed and housed!

Our seniors, families, and community members in Contra Costa County are facing serious choices: food or rent. At Empowered Aging, we believe that no one should ever have to choose between a meal and a roof.

On Tuesday, November 18th, the Board of Supervisors will decide how to allocate $9.7 million of leftover COVID-19 relief funds. We’re urging them to invest in:
• $5 million for community-based food assistance
• $3 million for emergency rental assistance

If you live in Contra Costa County, your voice matters. Please contact the Board and let them know:

“I support funding food assistance AND emergency rental assistance now.”

Use this link to find your Contra Costa County Supervisor
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/5715/Find-My-Supervisor

Together we can protect our most vulnerable neighbors, our seniors, our families, and our community. Will you join us?

10/30/2025

🌟 What an incredible day! 🌟

On October 28, Empowered Aging proudly hosted Aging with Clarity: Planning, Protection, and Peace of Mind — and what a success it was! The event brought together community partners, professionals, and older adults for a day filled with knowledge, connection, and empowerment.

Attendees gained valuable information on aging, legal planning, health resources, and community support. We are so grateful to our amazing speakers, panelists, and resource partners who shared their expertise and to everyone who came out to learn, engage, and connect.

This event was a true reflection of teamwork and collaboration proof that when our community comes together, we can make powerful strides toward supporting seniors and their families.

A heartfelt thank-you to all who helped make Aging with Clarity possible. 💙 Together, we are building stronger, safer, and more connected communities for older adults across Alameda County and beyond.

10/09/2025

💚 Ageism Awareness Day | October 9th, 2025 💚

Today and every day, Empowered Aging stands against ageism and for respect at every stage of life.

Getting older is something to be proud of, it means growth, wisdom, and stories worth sharing. Unfortunately, ageism can make people feel invisible or unheard, and that’s something we’re here to change.

Let’s celebrate the incredible older adults in our lives and work together to build communities where everyone is valued, no matter their age. 💫

How do you challenge ageism in your everyday life? Tell us in the comments below! 💬

10/08/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

At Empowered Aging, we honor the strength, courage, and resilience of all those impacted by breast cancer- survivors, caregivers, and loved ones alike. 💕

Early detection saves lives.
💗 Schedule your mammogram.
💗 Know your risk factors and family history.
💗 Support friends and family going through treatment.

Together, we can raise awareness, share hope, and ensure that every woman and man has access to the care and resources they need. 🌸

Let’s stand united in the fight against breast cancer because awareness is the first step toward empowerment. 💪

10/06/2025

We’re proud to have been part of the official launch of the Solano Master Plan for Aging & Disability (MPAD)! 💚

Empowered Aging was honored to attend this inspiring event focused on building a more inclusive and supportive community for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive Director, Susannah Meyer, proudly served on the Advisory Committee for the Solano MPAD, continuing her commitment to advocacy and collaboration.

Susannah has also served on the Advisory Committee for Contra Costa County’s Master Plan for Aging and Disability, helping to strengthen partnerships and programs that make a real difference for our aging population across the region.

We’re grateful to serve the Solano community and to stand alongside so many dedicated organizations working together to create a better future for seniors and people with disabilities through planning, partnership, and compassion.

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10/03/2025

Our Executive Director was honored to present to the Brentwood Lions Club and share the work we are doing to protect the rights, quality of life, and safety of long-term care residents in our community. Thank you so much for the contribution to our work, Lions!

Brentwood Lions is lucky to have Mayor Susannah as a member; tonight, she removed her Lions and Mayor hats to speak about her additional role as Executive Director of Empowered Aging. She is a Rock Star!

09/30/2025

🚨 LAST CALL – CCTA Survey! 🚨
We need your voice, Contra Costa County! 🗣️ The CCTA survey is closing soon, and this is your chance to make sure the needs of older adults are heard.
💙 Why it matters: Empowered Aging received a grant to help promote this survey because the results directly shape funding, planning, and resources in our communities. Every response helps us better serve seniors and dependent adults across the county.
🎁 Plus- completing the survey gives you a chance to win a $100 gift card!
⏳ Don’t wait- fill it out today and share with your family and friends in Contra Costa County. Together, we can make a difference!
👉 Take the survey here: https://rebrand.ly/CCTASurvey02
🎥 watch a short video from the CCTA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXagfnEVCD0

09/30/2025

🌿✨ Our Alameda Ombudsman Team had such a wonderful time at the Healthy Living Festival at the Oakland Zoo! Seniors enjoyed free admission, lunch, music, and community resources, and the energy was incredible. 💙 We loved connecting with older adults and families, sharing information about Empowered Aging’s programs, volunteer opportunities, and our upcoming Aging with Clarity event in October. It was also great connecting with partners like AAA, Supervisor Nate Miley, and USOAC. This festival is one of our favorite community events because it brings people together to celebrate health, wellness, and community connections. We can’t wait for next year! 🌿✨

09/14/2025

Happy National Grandparents Day! Grandparents are a special part of our lives—they're our storytellers, our biggest fans, and a source of endless wisdom. Today, we celebrate the incredible role they play in our families and communities.

Share the love! Post a photo of your grandparent in the comments below and tell us a favorite memory you have with them. We can't wait to see your photos!

09/12/2025

At Empowered Aging, we know safe, reliable, and accessible transportation is vital for older adults, caregivers, and families. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is creating a new Countywide Transportation Plan and wants to hear from you.
Take a short survey to help guide future investments for walking, biking, driving, and public transit in Contra Costa County. You’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Take the survey: https://rebrand.ly/CCTASurvey02

Together, we can build a more connected community for every generation.