Email from AgeUp Discover How Ageup is Transforming Lives - Be Part of Our Next Chapter! Six Months of Showing Up. Dear Friends & Partners, Six months ago, we launched AgeUp with a simple belief: Aging should come with more support, more connection, and more joy. What began as a vision has quickly become a growing network of volunteers, partners, and older adults across San Mateo County. In an era when so much interaction has moved online, we made a deliberate choice to show up. Ninety-nine percent of our programs and meetings are held in person — in care homes, senior centers, libraries, community halls, and partner sites throughout the county. We believe connection is relational and local, and presence matters. Six-Month Impact Snapshot (Aug 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026) 171 completed programs and events 3,598 People Reached 676 Volunteer Hours + 1,734 Volunteer Ombudsman hours 477 Volunteers Programs delivered across 19 cities and locations in San Mateo County Where we showed up Kindness Crew: Resident engagement activities (music, crafts, games, holiday celebrations, and intergenerational visits) Friendly Visitors: One-to-one companionship visits Phone Buddies: Recurring connection visits/calls Community Education & Engagement Programs in the broader community What those numbers mean in real life Through Kindness Crew, volunteers brought music, board games, flower arranging, storytelling, and seasonal celebrations into long-term care settings. Through Friendly Visitors and Phone Buddies, older adults experienced consistent one-to-one connections—sometimes a visit, sometimes a phone call, always a reminder that someone cares. We also invested in community outreach, because improving aging services in our county requires all of us. Recruitment events and presentations helped us invite new volunteers into long-term care settings and strengthen the community of people who believe older adults deserve dignity, joy, and support. One small moment stands out: During a sing-along, a non-verbal resident who had been quiet began tapping their hands and singing along. A volunteer knelt beside one resident so they could follow the lyrics together. Staff paused in the hallway to listen. It was simple. It was human. It was exactly why AgeUp exists. Six months in, we are encouraged and energized. We are learning, refining, and growing — expanding volunteer pipelines, deepening facility partnerships, and building experiences that bring joy and connection to older adults across our county. To everyone who has volunteered, partnered, donated, or supported us in any way: thank you. The first six months have shown us what is possible when a community decides to show up. With appreciation, Camp AgeUp is coming this summer! Get ready for nearly 30 bucket-list adventures happening throughout San Mateo County for Adults 50+ “My husband and I joined the Making Friends in Your 60s & Beyond program this week. It felt a little like speed dating for friendship. We left with several new phone numbers, and nearly everyone was exchanging contact information. It was exciting to realize that we can still expand our social circle at this stage of life.” - Joan, AgeUp Program Participant Upcoming Events Celebrating Lunar New Year - VOLUNTEER February 17 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am South San Francisco provided after RSVP Help us celebrate Lunar New Year with residents at a long-term care facility! Volunteers will assist with passing out refreshments and bringing some extra joy to residents. Please wear red. Long-Term Care Insurance: What You Need to Know February 18 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Long-term care is one of the most misunderstood—and potentially expensive—parts of retirement planning. This educational Zoom presentation is designed for adults age 50 and over who want to understand the components. Valentine’s Bingo - VOLUNTEER February 18 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Exact address in Redwood City provided after RSVP Love bingo? Love spreading joy? ❤️ Join us for Valentine’s-themed bingo at a long-term care facility! Volunteers will help call bingo numbers, pass out prizes, and make the afternoon extra special. Gloss & Glow Spa Morning - VOLUNTEER February 19 @ 9:45 am - 10:45 am Exact address in Redwood City provided after RSVP Help long-term care residents relax and feel cared this Valentines season for through a simple self-care experience. Volunteers will assist with filing and painting nails, offering soothing hand massages and more. Understanding Conservatorship in California: Protecting Your Loved Ones February 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Veterans Memorial Senior Center, Redwood City Planning ahead can provide peace of mind and ensure your wishes are respected as you age. This educational presentation will explain key end-of-life planning tools, such as powers of attorney Advanced Healthcare Directive Workshop March 13 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Half Moon Bay Library Join us to learn about advanced healthcare directives at this free event. We’ll cover the essentials—how they work, why each section matters, and how to navigate the process with confidence. Aging Up to the Next Chapter: How Do I Prepare to Enjoy Retirement? March 18 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Burlingame Community Center How do you fill up your time in retirement? Join us for an interactive session designed for older adults preparing for or already navigating retirement. Caring at Life’s End: What is Hospice Care? March 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Veterans Memorial Senior Center, Redwood City What IS hospice care? We’ll walk through what it really is, the services and emotional support it provides, and how it focuses on comfort, dignity, and personal choice. Wise, Well, & Connected: Women’s Wellness Hour March 26 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am Join us on Zoom for a supportive group created for women as we age! It is a space to connect, learn, and grow together while prioritizing our health and emotional well-being. Advanced Healthcare Directive Workshop April 2 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Belmont Library Join us to learn about advanced healthcare directives at this free event. We’ll cover the essentials—how they work, why each section matters, and how to navigate the process with confidence. Discover the Joy of Piano April 13 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Pianissimo, San Mateo, CA Experience the fun of music! Join us for a free piano group lesson with Natalia Pressman, the founder and music director of Pianissimo Academy in San Mateo. Ready to RSVP? Email jannah@age-up.org! Get all the details Donate Now AgeUp, Inc. | 1333 Madison Avenue | Redwood City, CA 94061 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
