There were 57.8 million American adults over the age of 65, as of 2022, according to The National Council on Aging. Each May, we honor our aging population through Older Americans Month (OAM) - a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of seniors while promoting wellness, inclusion, and support systems.
In Venice, Florida, a vibrant coastal city popular among retirees, celebrating OAM is more than just a tradition; it's a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and renew support for our elderly loved ones. It's a city in Sarasota County, about 19 miles south of Sarasota.
Whether you live near your parents or support them from afar, here are practical senior wellness tips to honor aging parents this month and all year long, with ideas tailored specifically to the Venice community.
Older Americans Month is rooted in acknowledging the life experiences and accomplishments of seniors. A heartfelt way for honoring older adults is to gather and share their stories:
Create a memory book or video that highlights their life, travels, and wisdom.
Host a family gathering or virtual call where everyone shares what they admire most about them.
Help them record oral histories to preserve their legacy for future generations.
In Venice, where community centers like the Venice Friendship Center offer senior storytelling workshops, this can also be a group activity.
Physical and emotional health is vital to aging gracefully. During Older Americans Month, caring for aging parents starts with taking time to encourage healthy routines:
Accompany your parents to wellness checkups or help them schedule screenings.
Join them for a walk on the Venetian Waterway Park trail or a yoga class at the Venice Community Center.
Explore nutritious meal options together or enroll them in a local senior nutrition program.
If your parents live in an assisted living community, like those found in the Venice area, check for onsite wellness programs designed to promote activity and connection. Active aging in Florida is made easy in this manner.
Loneliness is a common concern among seniors, but Venice offers numerous ways for older adults to stay socially engaged:
Check out events hosted by the Venice Art Center, Venice Theatre, or Venice Public Library.
Encourage involvement in clubs or activity groups-from bridge to gardening to fitness meetups.
Visit local farmers' markets or community festivals together, which are especially popular during the spring.
Social interaction not only improves mood but can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Aging parents may need help evaluating whether their current living environment is safe and conducive to their well-being:
Assess their home for fall risks and install mobility aids if needed.
Research senior-friendly housing options in Venice, such as independent living, assisted living, or memory care.
Work with local professionals like a geriatric care manager or a senior move specialist if relocation is a consideration.
If your parents already live in an independent senior living community, this is a good time to review their care plan and discuss any changes they might want. Bring them into the conversation so they don't feel like you are forcing them to live somewhere or do something that they aren't really interested in.
Venice, Florida, is rich in senior resources. Knowing what's available can help you better support your aging parents:
Contact Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota County for adult day services, caregiver support, and wellness classes.
Explore Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida for transportation, meals, and legal aid.
Look into SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) for Medicare counseling.
During Older Americans Month, many organizations also host free events and screenings, so it's an ideal time to get involved. If your aging parents aren't interested in going to these events on their own, then consider if their senior living communities are organizing any outings or events of their own. This way they can hang with their friends, be social, and have a fun time all together.
An Older Americans Month ideas list isn't complete without an intentional gesture or project:
Plan a special outing, a boat ride on the Gulf, a visit to Caspersen Beach, or a museum day at the Venice Museum & Archives.
Gift a subscription to something enriching, like a book club, language learning app, or art class.
Collaborate on a family volunteering project, showing that giving back can be a multigenerational act.
Even simple gestures-like cooking a favorite meal or setting up a family Zoom call-can bring a sense of love and connection.
This month also presents a gentle opportunity to talk about long-term planning. It's not always easy, but it's important:
Review legal documents like wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney.
Discuss preferences regarding medical care, living arrangements, and other end-of-life topics.
Consider meeting with a financial advisor or elder law attorney who understands Florida-specific planning.
By opening this dialogue now, you'll help ensure your parents' wishes are respected and reduce stress later.
Older Americans Month reminds us to reflect on the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of the older generation. Show appreciation through:
Handwritten notes or daily check-ins.
Asking for advice or stories from their past, it reinforces their value and experience.
Simply spending quality time together, whether it's enjoying tea on the patio or watching the sunset by the beach.
In a town like Venice, where community pride and family values run deep, such simple actions resonate deeply.
Supporting aging parents isn't limited to a single month-but Older Americans Month is a powerful reminder to prioritize their health, happiness, and legacy.
At Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe, we offer 6 exclusive lifestyle programs so you can find the one that fits your parents' needs best. In this manner, they can enjoy their golden years to the max. And you don't have to worry about their health or safety.
Schedule a tour of our community today.