The Older Americans Act defines a senior as someone who is 60 years or older. In Nevada County, 33% of us fall into this group. More surprising is the fact that the fastest growing segment of the senior population are people 80 and up. But what is the Administration on Aging, what impact does it have in Nevada County, and what does it mean to "age out loud"?

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When Margaret Burlew's husband passed away in 2007, she found herself isolated, lonely, and no longer able to afford the gas to get around town in her car.

That's when she headed back to the bus.

It wasn't Margaret's first time using public transportation to get around. She actually started riding the bus when she was eight years old. Each weekday, Margaret took the Grass Valley-Nevada City Bus Line--a private bus that ran between Grass Valley and Nevada City from 1922 to 1963--to school from her home at Mill Street and McCourtney Road. "The school bus wouldn't stop there. They stopped on the top of the hill," Margaret told me recently. The Grass Valley-Nevada City Bus Line, on the other hand, stopped right in front of her house. Back then, "it cost a quarter to ride to Nevada City," Margaret recalls.

As an adult, Margaret moved to Southern California and learned to drive on the Ventura Freeway. Her bus-riding days were behind her. But when she found herself on her own . . .

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Gold Country Community Services

At Gold Country Community Services in Grass Valley, the Gold Country Senior Cafe serves lunch every weekday and offers great nutrition and social connection for all. Individuals 60 years of age or older are asked for a voluntary donation of $3.00 but no one will be turned away. Guests 59 years of age or younger are welcome and asked to pay a $7.00 fee. The menu is posted monthly so you can pick a day that sounds appetizing. Located at 841 Old Tunnel Road in Grass Valley, lunch is served at 12:00 noon Monday through Friday.

Gold Country Community Services also offers activities and classes throughout the week at the Love Building in Condon Park. From Line Dancing to Tai Chi to Yoga, there is something to interest anyone. Classes are $5.00 for the general public and $4.00 for members. Call 530-273-4961 for additional information or questions or visit their website.

Sierra Senior Services

Sierra Senior Services in Truckee also offers daily lunches for seniors, providing an opportunity for community dining and social connection. Individuals 60 years of age or older are asked for a voluntary donation of $4.00. Guests 59 years of age or older are welcome and asked to pay an $8.00 fee. The menu is posted monthly so you can pick a day that sounds delicious and go meet new friends.

Sierra Senior Services also offers group exercise classes and activities to empower seniors to continue living independently. Yoga, Arts and Crafts, Tai Chi and a monthly Blood Pressure Clinic are offered on a weekly or monthly basis. Both daily community lunches and classes are located at the Community Room at the Truckee Donner Senior Apartments, 10040 Estates Drive in Truckee. Call 530-550-7600 for additional information or questions or visit their website.