UW Combined Fund Drive

April 28, 2025

May is Older Americans Month

Promoting health in an aging population

Multi generational women having fun together at park - Multiracial people meet and hugging each other outdoor

Every year in May, Older Americans Month recognizes the contributions of older adults across the nation. Started by President Gerald Ford in 1976, the focus of this month is helping older population maintain involvement in community and social activities.  This engagement helps prevent abuse and neglect.

At the start of the millennium, 35 million Americans were aged 65 or older. By 2040, this number is expected to more than double to 80 million. Of those, 15 million will be 85 or older. Even among the very oldest–centenarians–the population rose by almost 50% from 2000 to 2014.

UW’s own Healthy Aging and Longevity Research (HALO) Institute is among those leading the charge in this field. Housed in the School of Medicine and founded by Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, its mission is “to enhance understanding of the biological mechanisms of aging in order to promote healthy longevity.”

Those last two words are crucial, recognizing the futility of increasing longevity without also addressing geriatric health. For this reason, Dr. Kaeberlein talks about “maximizing healthspan” instead of lifespan.

Related: Join us for a Lunch & Learn on Active Aging – Engagement and Resources

Maintain and improve health while aging

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, suggests the following steps to maintain quality of life and manage health:

  • Exercise – keeping moving can reduce the overall risk of death from all causes while maintaining muscle mass and helping to avoid obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  • Food and drink – small changes in eating habits can pay big health dividends. Multiple studies have determined the benefits of Mediterranean-style diets and moderating alcohol consumption, but even something as simple as eating green leafy vegetables has been shown to slow cognitive decline.
  • Sleep – contrary to common wisdom, older and younger adults both need the same amount of sleep, but seniors often struggle to achieve that due to pain or illness. Again, studies have linked chronic sleep deprivation with a host of health impacts, including an increased risk of dementia.
  • Mental health – loneliness and isolation are linked to higher risks of heart disease, depression, and, yes, cognitive decline, whereas remaining socially active can be protective against those. The type of activity is less important than act of just doing it, so this leaves many opportunities, including hobbies, clubs, faith-based or community organizations, sports, the arts, and education. As a good example of the latter, the UW Access program allows Washington State residents who are 60 or older to audit up to two UW classes per quarter for a nominal fee.
  • Seeing a doctor – regular check-ups can help catch illnesses early and identify and address risk factors for chronic conditions.

Ways to support seniors’ independence

Preventing social isolation is vital to older adults’ mental and physical well-being, and central to most senior centers’ mission of holistic wellness. Researchers have long known about the health benefits of “social capital”—the ties that build trust, connection, and participation.

These ties are especially important for older adults, because health and existing social capital generally declines with age. Volunteering is a fabulous way that seniors can maintain social capital while supporting a favorite cause or organization. Many seniors are involved in advocacy work through their senior center, as well.

For some seniors, engaging with technology can be intimidating. If you have a loved one who is uncertain about technology, help them out! There are many free programs available at senior centers intended to demystify technology.

Get a move on!

Staying active is a significant factor in maintaining independence for older adults. Exercise has been shown to prevent disease, reduce the risk of falls, improve cognitive function, and support positive well-being in seniors, according to a CDC report. Family and community members can take steps to support seniors in this endeavor by providing encouragement, education, and companionship – for example, during walks together.

Everything is better with a friend!

Senior centers are a great place to get active and make new friends! In addition to many of the typical offerings, such as Tai Chi, yoga, aerobics and Zumba, many centers now partner with programs like Silver Sneakers and Active Older Adults (AOA) that are scientifically proven to make older adults healthier.

Finally, call and visit as often as you can. If they no longer drive, make sure to offer transportation for needed trips and activities. Many senior centers offer transportation to and from the center, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessary trips for free or for a small fee.

Aging is an experience that everyone shares, albeit not in the same way. Genetics play a key role, as do socioeconomic, racial and gender factors. However, the relatively simple recommendations above have been proven to increase wellbeing, improve health, and mitigate risk factors for chronic conditions. And for those reading for whom old age seems far away, these lifestyle changes improve health outcomes at any age.

Other Ways to Help

Senior centers and organizations rely on donor support to keep their programs running. Consider volunteering at or setting up payroll deduction through the UWCFD for one of our member organizations to support healthy aging:

  • University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA) (charity code 1481553) (part of the UW Foundation): The UWRA informs, connects and advocates for UW retirees and pre-retirees. The UWRA encourages continued engagement with the UW and fosters a purposeful retirement through educational and social programs.
  • Crista Senior Community (charity code 0316401): Providing retirement living in Shoreline and Silverdale, in a continuum of care with dignity and purpose for over 750 senior residents and their families.
  • Generations Aging with Pride (charity code 1482583): empowers older LGBTQ adults to live with pride and dignity by promoting, connecting, and developing innovative programs/services that enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor older LGBTQ adults.
  • Homage Senior Services (charity code 0337214): Largest provider of critical services for seniors and people with disabilities in Snohomish County. Through 28 programs in food and nutrition, health and wellness, social services, home repair, and transportation, 28,000 people are served annually.
  • Meals on Wheels People (charity code 1480747) has a mission to enrich the lives of older adults and assist them in maintaining independence by providing nutritious food, human connections, and social support. They also use their expertise and capacity to serve other nutritionally at-risk populations.
  • Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank (charity code 0316442): At Pike Market Senior Center, we offer nutritious meals, individual social work case management, and healthful activities to over 1,500 older adults 55. Our Food Bank offers free weekly groceries to individuals of all ages that are facing hunger.
  • Senior Services of Island County (charity code 0316431): Programs serve elderly, disabled and low-income citizens. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, housing, adult daycare, information and assistance, employment and senior activities.
  • Sno-Valley Senior Center(charity code 1482914): has been serving the Sno-Valley area and its families since 1975. The senior center inspires, supports, and empowers older adults to lead healthy, enriched lives.
  • Sound Generations (charity code 0316444): Promotes the emotional, social and physical well-being of seniors, their families and caregivers by providing information and services such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, home repair, transportation, community dining, and healthy aging.
  • Wallingford Community Senior Center (charity code 0316445): WCSC fosters healthy, secure, positive aging, while building community across generations. Varied programs promote healthy active living, social connection transition support, technology access and literacy, lifelong learning, and civic involvement.