Marjorie Ritchey provides proof that with a little help, people nearing 100 can successfully continue living on their own.

The house that Marjorie loves was built for her family just after World War II, in the Fairmont Terrace area of San Leandro. It’s been home for 76 years.

Hayward Senior Center programs designed to empower older adults — like Service Opportunity for Seniors Meals on Wheels (SOSMOW), which delivers delicious meals, and fall prevention sessions with partner Spectrum Community Services — are a blessing to Marjorie and many others.

Her approach to life doesn’t hurt, either. Marjorie was 50 when she entered the workforce, landing jobs spanning more than two decades at Oak Knoll Navy Hospital. She also made quilts for sick people through her Castro Valley church and sold bingo tickets for 15 years as a volunteer for the Hayward Senior Center.

Stories like Marjorie’s highlight how California’s 50 years of dedicated services to older adults has helped people thrive.