There are moments when a simple idea becomes something much greater.
In 2003, founders Frank Iszak and Serpil Iszak recognized a need that was often overlooked – older adults were not being included in the growing yoga movement in a way that felt safe, accessible, or truly supportive.
So they created something different.
Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO) was built on the understanding that yoga is not about performance – it is about presence. It is about meeting the body and the breath exactly where they are.
Over the years, SAYCO has grown into a leading San Diego nonprofit for senior yoga and healthy aging, serving more than 5,500 older adults each year. We offer over 1,000 free and donation-based yoga classes annually, including 16 weekly in-person classes at local libraries, senior centers, churches, and parks, along with live Zoom classes that make chair yoga and accessible wellness programs for seniors available from home.
But what makes SAYCO unique is not just where we teach – it is how we teach.
Each class is grounded in research-based, geriatric-informed practices that support balance, mobility, nervous system regulation, and social connection. These are not just yoga classes—they are spaces of healing, belonging, and empowerment.
And in a time where many seniors face isolation, this work matters deeply.
We see it every day:
A student regaining confidence after losing stability.
A class that becomes a weekly gathering of friends.
A moment of stillness that brings peace in the midst of uncertainty.
This is the heart of SAYCO.
As we continue to grow, we remain rooted in the same intention that began it all—to serve older adults with compassion, dignity, and care.
A Conversation with Our Founder
To truly understand the roots of SAYCO, we invite you to listen to Frank Iszak share the story in his own words.
🎥 Listen to the full interview: https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2011/05/12/silver-age-yoga-aims-improve-sd-seniors-health-and
In this conversation, Frank reflects on:
- Why older adults were often left out of traditional yoga spaces
- The importance of accessibility and compassion in teaching
- His vision for building a community rooted in care
It’s a powerful reminder that SAYCO was never just about classes – it was about creating a space where people feel supported through every stage of life.
If this mission resonates with you, we invite you to be part of it.
Sponsor a Senior and help ensure that these classes remain accessible to all.
Every contribution directly supports a senior’s ability to move, breathe, and stay connected.