The Tri-Valley is known for its quality of life. Residents are justly proud of their top-ranked public schools, lush parks, public libraries, and community spirit. Families with young children appreciate the many child-focused activities and programs at Hacienda and elsewhere. Older residents can also find a host of resources to meet their needs, including finding new friends, keeping fit, and managing daily life. 

According to the Age-Friendly Alameda County website, one in five Californians will be 65 or older by 2030. By 2040, about 600,000 Alameda County residents will be 60 and over. Contrary to the common stereotype of aging, "most older adults do not eventually become disabled: most commonly they remain physically, mentally, and socially active," notes the website, which links to a variety of resources for Alameda County seniors.

Many Services Available

Seniors are often defined as those aged 50 and older, while some agencies define it as aged 55 or 60 and older. The Tri-Valley boasts many programs and nonprofits to support seniors. The Alameda County Area Agency on Aging offers services and resources for older adults, including information and assistance. Officials say the services include but are not limited to "Adult Day Care, Family Caregiver Support programs, Food and Nutrition programs, Legal Assistance, Senior Information and Assistance, Long Term Care Ombudsman Services, Senior Center Services, and Visiting."

Pleasanton, Danville, Dublin, and Livermore all offer a variety of services to senior residents. Danville officials say they strive to offer programs and services which provide positive, enjoyable, and gratifying experiences for older adults. In addition to classes and other activities, the Dublin Senior Center provides a variety of free local services to seniors throughout the year. The City of Livermore's Senior Services office provides information and referrals for housing options, Medicare and Medi-Cal, legal aid, health care directives, financial emergencies, and more, according to its website. Seniors are encouraged to contact the office for more guidance and resources by calling (925) 373-5760.

Another important resource is CityServe of the Tri-Valley, which has offices in both Livermore and Pleasanton. CityServe grew out of work by the area's religious institutions. As executives explain, "in 2022, with a deep increase in 60+ age clientele needing support, CityServe and Senior Support of the Tri-Valley joined together as one organization to better serve local seniors. As a result, the previous senior support team was hired by CityServe on Sept 8, 2022 and resumed all services and programs under a new name. The entire senior services team was incorporated into the organization as whole, and now we can serve entire families under one roof with specialists for all ages."

CityServe, which is funded in part by Alameda County, offers a full slate of services and activities for elders. They include Wellness Coaching, Medication Management, and a Tech Cafe. Wellness Coaching is available by appointment and covers nutrition, sleep, fitness, disease prevention, and other important wellness topics. Medication Management includes an appointment with a Physician's Assistant who will help you create an individual health plan. Tech Cafe is a class that teaches seniors about technology, specifically how to stay connected online. Students learn how to text, download apps, identify online scams, and much more. The class is held on a drop-in basis on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am at the Dublin Senior Center.

Additional programs include weekly in-person and online Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi, and Sit Fit exercise classes and the RideCare transportation service, which provides free transportation to social service offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, and medical appointments to adults aged 60 or over and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and over. The nonprofit also offers a fall-prevention program, a caregiver support group for family members caring for elders, and special events. On Wednesday, July 23, for example, CityServe will host a Fresh Bites Cooking Demo between 1 and 2 pm at the Pleasanton Senior Center. The event will teach attendees easy ways to cook healthy, tasty meals.

Pleasanton Offers Support

The Pleasanton Senior Center on Sunol Boulevard is the primary hub for senior programs and activities. The  active, welcoming environment is filled with energy, creativity, and connection for adults aged 50 and over, according to the center's staff. 

"Many people are surprised to learn just how dynamic, diverse, and lively the Pleasanton Senior Center really is," says Rachel Prater, City of Pleasanton Recreation Manager. "The range of drop-in programs is especially eye-opening. On any given day, you might find seniors enjoying a puzzle, watercolor painting, or knitting, while others are carving wood in the workshop or learning how to use the latest tech with one-on-one or group tutoring." 

Prater notes that the Senior Center also hosts dedicated groups for mahjong, bridge, and bingo, along with special interest offerings like Mind Your Memory, Readers Theatre, and the Online Technology Group. The Sole Mates walking club, Pleasanton Pedalers cycling group, and free access to pickleball encourages physical fitness and social connection while practical life skills are addressed with programs such as estate planning. Participants can also enjoy lively and open conversations during Tea Time.

"Seniors who don't visit the Pleasanton Senior Center are missing out on a vibrant, welcoming community where they can connect with others, stay active, and explore new interests—all in one place," according to Heidi Murphy, Director of Library and Recreation. "The Senior Center offers a wide variety of free and low-cost programs that encourage social interaction and wellness. These programs not only support physical and mental health, but also help combat isolation—offering a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere."
 
Programs like Pleasanton Rides ensure seniors aged 70 and above can travel safely and affordably around town, with service provided by Black Tie Transportation. This program helps seniors maintain mobility and independence, which benefits both individuals and their families, says Prater. Nutrition is another key area, she notes. "Through partnerships with Open Heart Kitchen and Spectrum Community Services' Meals on Wheels, the Center provides hot, healthy lunches to seniors in-person or through home delivery, helping to combat food insecurity and isolation among older residents."

City of Pleasanton officials encourage seniors to check out the City's Summer Activities Guide for a full list of programs available throughout the summer months. Copies of the guide were mailed to all Pleasanton residences, and it can also be found online. Physical copies of the Activities Guide are also available inside the Senior Center, which is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm Mondays through Fridays. It is closed on weekends and holidays. Those daunted by visiting the Senior Center for the first time are encouraged to call (925) 931-5365 for information about the Newcomers Welcome program. The next event is scheduled for July 10 and will include a tour of the Senior Center and a quick presentation on what programs are offered and more.

"The paradox of aging is that even though people's physical health and functions decline in later adulthood, happiness does not," according to Loren A. Olson M.D. in an article for Psychology Today magazine. "Many studies show that depression, anxiety, stress, worry, and anger all decrease with advancing age."

Based on the research, the senior years are a great time to explore new activities and meet new people. As Murphy points out, "more than just a place to go, the Senior Center is a place to thrive. It's where new friendships are formed, hobbies are discovered, and every senior is welcomed as part of the community."

For more information about Age-Friendly Alameda County, please visit agefriendly.acgov.org/index.page?.

For more information about the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging, please visit www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/our-services/Seniors-and-Disabled/Area-Agency-on-Aging/Area-agency-on-aging.

For more information about services for seniors in Danville, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/200/Seniors.

For more information about services for seniors in Dublin, please visit dublin.ca.gov/379/Senior-Services

For more information about services for seniors in Livermore, please visit www.larpd.org/senior-services.

For more information about senior services offered by CityServe of the Tri-Valley, please visit cityservecares.org/seniors.

For more information about City of Pleasanton senior services, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/your-community/recreation/senior-services/#resources.

To view the City of Pleasanton Summer 2025 Activities Guide, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/your-community/recreation/activities-guide.