“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

― Carl Sagan

September 24, 2025

Dear friends, 

This issue of our newsletter is all about what makes the Village unique: the power of connection. From close friendships to “loose ties” that make us feel like we belong, research shows that social connection is the single most important factor in healthy aging. Purpose, joy, support, and even longevity grow out of these relationships, and that is central to the Village mission. 

That is why I am especially excited to introduce something new: The Village Table. Beginning this fall, we will host gatherings where friends and staff can come together to share stories, ideas, and laughter. Over an afternoon coffee or cider, we want to create space for relationships to grow.

Our first Village Table will be Monday, October 13 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at the Village office. We have room for six participants at this first gathering, and we look forward to hosting many more to come.

We hope you will join us! Please RSVP to me directly at molly@thevillagechicago.org.

I also hope you will join us for our annual fundraiser on Tuesday, September 30. Together, we will celebrate the Village community.



See you soon! 

Molly Conley 

Executive Director

Member Stories

"After 7 years away, I moved back to Chicago, and it was like a different city. I was now retired, my old life was gone and I felt disconnected in a way I never had before. Then someone told me about the Village. Not only did I now have a way to meet a variety of different people and things to do, but an old friend from high school was also a member and we reestablished the closeness we had as teenagers. The whole experience was a kind of rescue."

"I had to be hospitalized for several weeks, I was concerned about my wife. She could be left on her own, but needed help with some things. The Village community rallied around us. They checked in with her daily; they formed a team to take turns helping her with what she needed. I don't know where else you can find that kind of support. Maybe in a very small town. I guess that's why they call it 'the Village'."

"When I retired, I really missed the many challenges and the camaraderie of my academic career. And then I was invited to help build and grow this Village - something that was of value and that I cared about. I could be part of something that was changing attitudes about aging and making a difference in people's lives. This was so important for me because it restored my sense of purpose and my feeling of belonging which continues to this day."

From the laboratory to real life

These stories reflect but a fraction of the diversity that exists in the experience of aging. The World Health Organization says, "Changes are neither linear nor consistent, and they are only loosely associated with a person’s age in years."



At the Village, we own this diversity. We have developed and shaped the Village to both accommodate and utilize it. The more we understand it, the better we become at addressing it, so that we now stand as a unique community of friendship and support for hundreds of older adults and their families. There is nothing else like us.

Why we do what we do

Beginning in the 1980's, the prevailing views of aging were shattered. Research had proved that aging is not an inevitable period of dependence and decline, nor is it a personal or medical problem to be solved. This raised some questions: If aging is neither consistent nor linear, are there interventions that help us to age well? Do beliefs and attitudes impact aging?



On the physical dimension, researchers shifted from identifying risk factors to seeking "health assets." And on the behavioral side, the focus moved to empowering older adults and combating ageism. So we now know the answers to those questions and at the Village, we have put this transformative evidence into action - using the power of community.

Why social connection is front and center

Among all the behavioral factors that impact healthy aging, the most important one is social engagement. Here are just two of the many studies that confirm this.

Close relationships

The now 87-year long Harvard Longitudinal study has revealed that "close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives" and "are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes."

Research conducted at Stanford found that "having strong and secure relationships not only increases happiness but also longevity by roughly 50 percent" - establishing social connection as one of the most powerful health interventions available.

Recognizing this, the Village has created opportunities for forming meaningful relationships through ongoing connections within the context of shared interests. Some are purely for fun and enjoyment (discussion groups, happy hours); while others attract people going through similar life experiences such as solo aging and family care-giving.

"Loose ties"

Research has also demonstrated that "loose ties" (also known as weak ties - although that really understates their value!) provide unique benefits that complement close relationships - and can also lead to them. Loose ties are casual acquaintances, neighbors, the barista, or people you see at church. Those with more loose ties report greater happiness, and a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging, than those with fewer interactions.

Loose ties are what contribute to our feeling of belonging to a community.

The Village provides a myriad of ways to form loose ties. We see each other at committee meetings, programs like Brain Spa, Saturday at the Movies and so many more. We each receive a phone call on our birthday and gather in larger groups at potlucks, the Annual Members' Meeting and our annual fundraiser.

Thus are loose ties formed and a community built.

Photo Credit: Village Member Laurie Desmond

Mental wellbeing - the cornerstone of aging well

Mental wellbeing ranks alongside social connection as one of the most crucial factors in healthy aging. While it encompasses many elements, two stand out as particularly important: developing positive beliefs about aging and cultivating a sense of purpose in life.

Positive age belief

Most of what we know about this stems from the groundbreaking research done by Yale's Dr. Beca Levy. Her research demonstrated that positive age beliefs are associated with better memory performance, improved physical function, and overall lead to longer, happier, healthier lives.

Her studies also revealed that positive views of aging have a huge impact on health due to reduced stress responses, lower levels of inflammation, and better cardiovascular health compared to those with negative aging attitudes.

To counter the harmful effects of negative age-related beliefs, the Village actively challenges ageist stereotypes and language whenever they arise. We see and value each person as a unique individual, avoiding assumptions based solely on age. Through intentional awareness and support, we help combat the internalized ageism that can limit older adults from embracing their full potential and living with confidence and purpose.

Living with purpose

Psychologists define purpose as having meaningful, goal-directed intentions that extend beyond oneself. And it too has a profound impact on healthy aging.

Research conducted with over 1,200 community-dwelling older adults found that those with a greater sense of purpose had significantly reduced risk of death compared to those with lower purpose scores. The protective effect of purpose remained strong even after accounting for factors like depression, disability, chronic conditions, and socioeconomic status.

And now, new research from UC Davis shows that having a sense of purpose in life may reduce the risk of dementia by about 28%. The protective effect of purpose remained significant even after accounting for the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease.

Finding purpose is built into the DNA of the Village. We offer numerous opportunities through volunteerism and meaningful engagement within and beyond the Village community We continue to give back — as mentors, volunteers, organizers, and change-makers.

The Village model re-frames aging as a shared journey — one that involves choice, dignity, and participation. The Village helps ensure that everyone — including you — has options for aging well now and in the future. Everyone needs a village - Who's yours?

The Village Chicago Annual Fundraiser: Many Voices, One Song

Tuesday, September 30, 5-7:30 PM

Location: The Arbory (2219 W Grand Ave)

Members & guests: $110 (click here to purchase tickets and raffles)

We're thrilled to invite you to this year's fundraiser, featuring an auction, games, entertainment, food, drink, and fun. This year, we're delighted to celebrate at a new venue, The Arbory, a beautiful space we think you'll love. Join us for an unforgettable evening of impact and inspiration, where your generosity will help transform lives and create lasting differences in our community. We're excited to celebrate with you and your guests!

The silent auction is now open. All online bidding from the comfort of your home. Click here to start bidding now!

Read the full description and RSVP here!

The Village Chicago and Executive Director Molly Conley Featured in Classic Chicago Magazine

“The Village Chicago is a community of people who have incredible expertise and lived experience. We will be celebrating our community with a new venue, shared stories and amazing musical performances on September 30.”—The Village Chicago’s new Executive Director Molly Conley.

Click here to read the latest edition of Classic Chicago Magazine where Judy Carmack Bross interviews new Exective Director, Molly Conley.

Are you...

Looking for a new career, about to retire, wondering what's next? Seeking companions that share your interests? Searching for a way to utilize your abilities? In need of occasional help? New to Chicago? Worried about changing needs? An adult child with aging parents?

Village members are part of an inclusive, multigenerational community, connected to others and to the resources that support growth and wellbeing as we navigate life after 50 together.

Learn more about the Village by calling us at 773.248.8700 or click here to download the membership application form.



Officers

David Baker,

Chair

Judith Gethner,

Vice Chair

Liz Metzger,

Secretary

Thomas C. Eley III,

Treasurer

Joan Goldstein

Kathie Kolodgy

Karen Terry

Board of Directors

Don Bell

Jacie Brandes

Stefanie Clark

Tom Pasker

Lois Stuckey

Vamse Kumar Subbiah

Carlos Terrazas

Advisory Council

Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD

Robyn L. Golden, LCSW

Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD

Executive Director

Molly Conley

The Village Chicago is a community of people who choose to share interests, experience, and friendship as we age. Together with a professional staff, volunteers, and an extensive network of services and service providers, we offer new social connections, lifelong learning, opportunities to find purpose, and support through life transitions.  Everyone needs a Village - who's yours?

2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 773.248.8700

www.thevillagechicago.org