LOWER MERION EMBRACES ITS AGING POPULATION

AGING IN PLACE

New village initiative enhances senior living options for aging in place.

Lower Merion residents are launching Lower Merion Village, a new community-based organization designed to help older adults age in place with dignity, independence, and connection. Inspired by the national Village to Village Network, the initiative brings together neighbors, volunteers, and local resources to support seniors who wish to remain in their homes and communities as they age.

Supporting Seniors at Home

As more older adults choose to stay in familiar surroundings rather than move to senior living facilities, logistical challenges such as transportation, household tasks, and social isolation have become increasingly common. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their homes, and 73% want to stay in their communities as they age.

Lower Merion Village aims to meet these needs by connecting residents to:

Social and educational activities
Transportation and ride assistance
Light household help
Technology troubleshooting
Volunteer and peer support

All services are rooted in the neighborhoods residents already know and love.

Early Momentum and Community Impact

A local resident Bonnie Asher, 74, was inspired to help launch the village after seeing how the model allowed her mother to live independently into her late 90s. Although the organization is still in its early stages, Asher says the initiative has already fostered meaningful friendships and a growing calendar of walks, lectures, coffee meetups, and volunteer events.

The group has received early funding through Lower Merion Township’s American Rescue Plan nonprofit grant program, helping it establish a foundation for future growth.

Progress

The Lower Merion Village is still in its infancy. It’s not officially accepting members yet, and Crimm is working to build a dues structure, create a website, and establish the organization as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

The Lower Merion Village plans to charge an individual membership rate of $125 per year and a household rate of $200 per year. The village hopes to provide a scholarship option down the road for people who can’t afford it. The membership will come with access to all of the village’s programs, as well as to a network of volunteers who can help with household tasks, give rides, and troubleshoot technology.

Those interested in getting involved in the Lower Merion Village can email [email protected].

NEWS: EXPANSION AT WAVERLY HEIGHTS, GLADWYNE

Expansion

The Lower Merion Building and Planning Committee has approved a tentative sketch plan for Waverly Heights in Gladwyne, allowing the demolition of seven existing villas to make way for three new buildings that will expand the senior living community. The project includes two identical, three-story buildings with 12 independent living units each and a three-story, 11,130-square-foot addition to the Blair Apartment building, adding another 12 units, along with 71 parking spaces and over 7,000 square feet of outdoor amenities. Township staff and the planning commission worked with developers to enhance pedestrian connectivity and shared spaces. While one resident voiced concerns about infrastructure strain, Commissioner Josh Grimes supported the plan, citing community approval, compliance with zoning limits, and growing demand for senior housing in the township.
Source: Main Line Media News; 10/20/2025