One organization is working not only to bring senior care to large areas, but to help seniors regain and build a connection with their community. For people already at a higher risk for physical and cognitive decline, poor interaction within a community can tip the scales in favor of dire conditions like high blood pressure, depression, and even Alzheimer’s. The Village Movement is a nation-wide push to bring volunteer networks to individual communities. Starting in Boston in 2002, these networks have expanded across the country, with over 250 already in place.
The Village Movement is designed to create “villages,” which are neighbor-driven support systems that address both practical needs and social needs. Volunteers assist senior citizens who don’t want to be or can’t afford to be part of an assisted care facility or development. They help seniors with everyday tasks such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, light household repairs, and technology setup, services that are often inaccessible or foot a heavy bill.
Beyond the physical support, villages also prioritize community-building through different forms of interaction. This includes walking groups, game nights, shared meals, and informal check-ins that help seniors maintain regular social interaction. This network allows many senior citizens to remain safely in their homes while reducing the loneliness that often affects the older community.
Montgomery County has become a major hub for the Village Movement, supporting the county’s older population and growing concern about senior isolation. The county is home to roughly 25 villages, supported by 900 volunteers who collectively serve more than 8,000 older residents.
While Montgomery County villages are largely constructed in wealthier downcounty areas, such as Bethesda, North Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Potomac, members of the community have emphasized the need to expand into less affluent and more isolated areas, where access to transportation and helpful services is limited. In response to the growing need, Montgomery County allocated $1.5 million in the 2026 budget to support organizations that assist seniors, including villages.
One example of a village activity comes in the form of the residential network (ResNet) at Leisure World Maryland (LW). LW in Silver Springs, MD, is a private senior facility for residents over 55. ResNet was organized to provide outreach services for senior residents living at LW, with its fundamental purpose being the reduction of social isolation in residents.
In an interview with LW resident Mike Benefiel, they explained that despite LW’s wealth of clubs, activities, and services, there are still seniors who don’t participate. This on top of some residents being what Benefiel calls solo agers, residents who live by themselves, means that some seniors at LW are experiencing consistent social isolation.
According to Benefiel, one of the greatest challenges in reducing senior isolation is not the absence of resources, but residents’ reluctance to seek them out. Even in a community with extensive programs, some seniors hesitate to ask for help or admit vulnerability, particularly older men. Benefiel noted that it means a lot to them to admit what they consider weaknesses. He hopes that villages can overcome this issue by continuing to support residents and taking more steps to reach out to residents struggling.
ResNet would be aiding LW’s preexisting services provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and a private security managed system of need-based welfare security checks. The former is optional, placing it among the resources that seniors may not intentionally seek out, while the former only activates after residents already begin showing concerning signs, meaning damage may have already accumulated.
One of the newest Villages forming in Montgomery County is in Boyds, a semi-rural community where limited public transportation has contributed to increased isolation among senior citizens. Recently, Pastor at Boyds Presbyterian Church, Mr. Derek Longbrake, noticed a lack of support in his community for seniors. Older residents felt unsupported and nervous to reach out for help. Longbrake saw this and began gathering volunteers to face the issue.
The developing Boyds Village is being organized by the Longbrakes and local volunteers to create a reliable network of support for its residents. Although it’s still in its early stages, the group has begun holding planning meetings and recruiting more volunteers.
