For many, aging can be a very scary prospect, especially if getting older means having to give up your independence and move out of your own home. Ashby Village provides a great solution. For a relatively low annual fee, East Bay residents over fifty can join this "village" that provides such benefits as transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping, access to pre-screened vendors, help with projects and social events. Their website also provides links to other such villages across the country that are helping older people stay in their own homes as long as possible.