July 21, 2025
VILLAGES AS A SOLUTION FOR CALIFORNIA’S FORGOTTEN MIDDLE
How the Village Movement Addresses Aging Challenges for Moderate- and Middle-Income Older Adults
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- The Challenge: California faces an unprecedented demographic shift as its middle-income older adult population—the “forgotten middle”—confronts a critical gap between available resources and aging-in-place support needs.
- The Solution: Villages offer a proven, community-based model that enables older adults to age in place while addressing core challenges facing California’s forgotten middle population.
- Key Statistic: 34% of California’s older adults will be moderate- and middle-income individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid benefits and can’t afford health and aging resources.
THE FORGOTTEN MIDDLE CHALLENGE IN CALIFORNIA
Demographic Pressures
- 1.6 million middle-income older adults aged 75+ expected by 2033
- 89% unable to afford assisted living without selling homes
- Double growth in adults aged 85+ between 2018-2033
- 47% of middle-income older adults will be people of color
- Majority will have mobility limitations and 3+ chronic conditions
The Income Gap
- Earn too much to qualify for Medicaid long-term care services
- Earn too little to afford private assisted living or comprehensive home care
- Income range: 214% to 832% of Federal Poverty Level
- Even selling homes, 50% still can’t afford private assisted living
THE VILLAGE MODEL DEFINED
Villages are nonprofit membership organizations that connect older adults to:
- Community programming
- Volunteer support
- Professional services needed for independent living
Key Features:
- Member-led organization sharing skills and experience
- Peer-driven model for navigating aging challenges
- 50 villages currently operating across California
Five Core Support Areas
- Housing Support – Enables aging in place with community scaffolding
- Social Care Navigation – Volunteer-driven transportation, home modifications, grocery shopping, tech support
- Social Connection – 50%+ of members feel more connected, reducing isolation
- Caregiving Support – Essential support for solo agers without nearby family
- Economic Efficiency – Stretches dollars by supporting daily living activities
COST-EFFECTIVENESS FOR THE FORGOTTEN MIDDLE
Affordable Membership:
- Annual cost: $300-$600
- Sliding scale and subsidized memberships available
- Services that would otherwise cost thousands monthly through private providers
Proven Impact:
- 300+ villages operating nationwide
- Research by UC Berkeley shows measurable improvements in member outcomes
- Promotes aging in place and community engagement
ADDRESSING DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
California’s Growing Older Adult Population:
- 10.8 million older adults by 2030 (25% of state population)
- Increasing racial and ethnic diversity
- Villages offer culturally responsive, person-centered approach
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Expand Funding for Villages
- Establish dedicated funding streams for village development and operations
- Prioritize underserved communities with high forgotten middle populations
2. Leverage Partners in the Vibrant Aging Ecosystem
- Strengthen partnerships between villages and existing aging service providers
- Connect with healthcare systems, social services, and community organizations
3. Connect and Engage the Generations
- Foster intergenerational connections benefiting all community members
- Engage younger volunteers in programming to expand village capacity
4. Advance Age-Friendly Cities
- Incorporate village development into municipal age-friendly planning
- Support aging in place through zoning, transportation, and community development
5. Create Tools for Greater Impact
- Invest in standardized tools and best practices for measuring village impact
- Support data-driven evaluation systems to track outcomes and inform policy
The village movement offers a scalable solution that helps California’s forgotten middle population age with dignity and independence.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL POLICY PAPER HERE
