Bowling Green Launches "Village" to Keep Seniors at Home

Growing old at home just got easier in Bowling Green, Kentucky, thanks to a neighbor-helping-neighbor movement that's sweeping the nation.

BG Resource Connections Village launched this month to connect seniors with the support they need to age independently. The program links older adults with volunteers who provide everything from rides to doctor appointments to help navigating smartphone apps.

The village concept started in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood and has expanded to more than 240 communities across America. Another 100 are in development, proving that neighbors want to help neighbors stay home as they age.

The program doesn't operate from a physical building. Instead, it works as a virtual network matching volunteers with seniors who need assistance.

Sometimes the help is practical, like learning to use the My Healthy Vet system or getting support with accessibility challenges. Other times, it's as simple as having someone to talk to.

"We get calls from people who just need someone to talk to," organizers explained. Volunteers visit isolated seniors to provide companionship and reduce loneliness.

The Ripple Effect

The village model creates impact beyond individual seniors. By keeping older adults engaged in their communities, the program preserves their independence while building stronger neighborhood bonds.

Future plans include small home repairs like changing lightbulbs, pet therapy visits, and supply drives for veterans. The group will also host social events, starting with an Oscars watch party.

CREATE, Kentucky's innovation hub, has partnered with the village to provide resources as it grows. Leaders are also advocating for seniors to have stronger voices in Bowling Green's long-term planning initiatives like What Could BG Be and BG 2050.

The organization is seeking community input to determine which services older adults need most. Volunteer recruitment will begin soon, with opportunities open to all ages. Many volunteers are expected to be seniors themselves.

Services may carry small fees to sustain operations, but organizers promise to keep costs as low as possible.

A community that takes care of its elders builds strength that benefits everyone.