The Marin Section on Aging is a coalition of agencies, organizations and individuals concerned with the well-being of older persons. We are a network alliance advocating for and promoting the development, coordination and implementation of older adult services in Marin. We hold morning meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month featuring speakers and member networking opportunities.
April Meeting
Thursday April 16 , 2026
10am-11:30am
Presented by: Dr. Linda Berry
The Redwoods Senior Community
40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley
(across from Mt Tam High School)
Any questions please email us:
Live Long and Healthy: The Blue Zones Way and Beyond
What if the secret to living a long and healthy life wasn’t found in a pharmacy or a lab—but in five small communities scattered across the globe? From the sun-drenched shores of Sardinia to the peaceful villages of Okinawa, Japan, researchers discovered pockets of people who consistently live past 100, largely free of the chronic diseases that plague modern society. These are the Blue Zones—and the lessons they teach us are surprisingly simple. For this presentation, Dr. Linda Berry is going to take you on your own Blue Zone journey: we’ll explore what pulls us away from health, what brings us back, and the powerful daily practices around nutrition, movement, and mindset that can help you reclaim your vitality and write your own longevity story.
In-Person Meeting Host:
The Redwoods a Community of Seniors
The Redwoods, A Community of Seniors is located on 10 acres in beautiful Mill Valley, California and offers a continuum of care to seniors from around the Bay Area.
The mission of The Redwoods is to maintain a creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of seniors.
We are proud to be celebrating 50 years of serving our Seniors in our community.
Do you have a speaker recommendation?
March 2026 Guest Speaker
Presenter:
Dr. Jacqueline Chan
The Oxygen Advantage: Brain Health, Advanced Healing & Clinical Applications
What if one of the most powerful tools for longevity is something we cannot see—but cannot live without? Oxygen is fundamental to cellular energy, tissue repair, and brain function. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) enhances oxygen delivery, activating the body’s innate healing mechanisms, including neurogenesis and vascular regeneration.
This presentation explored the scientific foundation of medical HBOT, reviewed Medicare-covered conditions, and examined its role in supporting seniors facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and hypoxic or traumatic brain injuries. We discussed how optimizing oxygenation may help preserve cognitive function, improve quality of life, and expand healthspan.
February 2026 Guest Speaker
Presenter:
Melanie Henry
Aging & Driving
Driving skills can change and age alone is not a fair predictor of when to hang up the keys. Melanie Henry, owner of the Driver Cognitive Assessment Center & Turn Signal Driving School will cover what is ‘normal’ aging, warning signs, conversation strategies, role of DMV and tips for staying safe behind the wheel. Melanie will have a demo of helpful driving aids geared to keep your clients and family members comfortable on the road.
Melanie Henry is the founder and CEO of Driver Cognitive Assessment Center, LLC and the owner of Turn Signal Driving School. She is a Licensed Driving Instructor, Driver Rehabilitation Professional and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Melanie specializes in teaching neurodivergent teens and young adults, including individuals with autism, ADD/ADHD, diverse learning needs, and anxiety, as well as medically at-risk and older adult drivers.
January 2026 Guest Speaker
Presenter:
Andrew Couch
From Storytime to Legacy
Andrew Couch, co-founder of Sound Legacy, is an author, podcast host, and audiobook producer who has spent more than a decade in the storytelling business. With roots in audio recording and sound design, he has developed a keen ear for enhancing stories with music, timing, and atmosphere. Long before his professional career, Andrew collected stories the old-fashioned way: by asking questions and listening carefully.
Today, he helps families, businesses, and communities discover how storytelling can deepen connection, foster trust, and honor lived experiences. His work blends technical expertise with a genuine curiosity for people’s journeys, reminding audiences that stories aren’t just entertainment – they’re legacy.
What are the benefits of membership to the MCSOA?
- Maintain these relationships and increase your referrals with our partners.
- Work closely with MCSoA members’ services to better serve your own patients/clients, etc.
- Educational meetings covering a broad range of topics that are of interest to members and the population we serve
- A listing in our Member Directory.
- An opportunity for your company being highlighted to give a 5-minute presentation and sponsor a gift for a member.
- Attend the July and December meetings that are exclusively for members.
- List the Marin Section on Aging website/link on your website (authorized for members only).
Meet the Committee
The Marin County Section on Aging is managed by a committee of volunteers, all of whom provide services in the eldercare industry in various capacities.
Terri Abelar
Lorena Garbarino
5-Minute Company Highlight/Gift Sponsor Coordinator
Suncrest Hospice
William Foster
Director of Community Relations
The Redwoods, A Community of Seniors
Johnell Davidson
Libby Wood
Carly Migdal
Deonah Salari
Marin Section on Aging
1000 Fourth Street #440 • San Rafael, CA 94901
Marin Section on Aging
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