Best Medicine for Aging Well: Be Active and Engaged

Every May since 1963, people across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans –borne of wisdom, experience and the will to realize their dreams. And although Older Americans Month still embraces this same opportunity to pay homage to the many ways older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities, grandma has a brand new bag.

Today, older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education and technology. About one in every eight Americans are 65 years of age or older. In Florida, 19% of our population is over 65, making our state number one in the nation for its over 65 percentage. And more than 800,000 residents in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties are age 60 or older. But beyond the numbers are the stories of seniors who greatly benefit our communities through their activities and actions.

Older adults are mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, taking to heart the need for intergenerational learning to guide and inspire young minds. Many serve as AmeriCorps volunteers and offer a take on times gone by not discussed in any history class; a unique perspective that sheds new light on contemporary issues. They connect with other seniors through companionships and programs like SHINE where they provide insurance counseling. With more than five million licensed drivers in Florida over 55, older adults help to deliver meals, assist with shopping and ensure the vibrancy and health of our communities’ residents.

With all that older adults do as they are out and about and making a difference in our communities, it’s vital to have programs and services in place to help them age strong. For example, Health Foundation of South Florida’s Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative enables local agencies to offer free and low cost programs, endorsed by the National Council on Aging, that are proven to be effective in reducing the fear and risk of falling, increasing physical activity levels and managing chronic conditions. Since 2008, more than 14,000 participants have put life back in their lives.

Health Foundation’s five-year $7.5 million investment in healthy aging programs has shown that when you help seniors thrive in your community, you gain far more than you give.

Active Health Foundation of South Florida grantees that are receiving funding to offer Healthy Aging programs and classes:

ADRC of Broward – Broward – 954-745-9567

Alliance for Aging – Miami-Dade – 305-670-6500 x 255

Broward Regional Health Planning Council – Broward – 954-561-9681

Citrus Health Network – Miami-Dade – 786-879-6552

Community Health of South Florida – Miami-Dade – 305-252-4871

Cuban National Council – Miami-Dade – 305-642-3484

Florida Keys AHEC – Monroe – 305-743-7111

Independent Living Community Services – Miami-Dade – 305-262-1292 x 6474

Jessie Trice Community Health Center – Miami-Dade – 305-805-1700

Jewish Community Services of South Florida – Miami-Dade – 305-673-6060

Key Biscayne Community Foundation – Miami-Dade – 305-361-2770