09/04/2026
🌿 September is Healthy Aging Month!
Discover Ways to Nourish Your Body, Strengthen Your Mind & Stay Connected
Healthy aging is about making choices today that can help you feel your best tomorrow. It’s about nourishing your body, staying active, connecting with others, learning new things, and having the resources you need to remain independent and engaged in your community.
September is Healthy Aging Month, a national observance dedicated to encouraging older adults to focus on positive physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. During this month, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country highlight programs and resources that support older adults in living healthy, active, and independent lives.
Here in our region, Elderbridge Agency on Aging’s Healthy Aging Program offers a variety of opportunities to help older adults strengthen their mind, body, and soul.
From nutritious meals and nutrition education to social activities and evidence-based health promotion programs, Elderbridge is here to help you take steps toward a healthier and more independent future.
🍎 Nourish Your Body with Nutritious Meals
Good nutrition plays an important role in healthy aging. Elderbridge provides nutritious meals in both congregate settings and the comfort of your own home.
Thanks to funding through the Older Americans Act, along with state and local partners, meals are provided at no cost to eligible diners. There is never a requirement to donate, although voluntary contributions help maintain the sustainability of the program.
🍽️ Congregate Meals: Good Food & Good Company
A meal can be about more than nutrition—it can also be an opportunity to connect.
Congregate meals are offered at local senior centers, senior housing units, and participating restaurants. These locations may also offer activities and opportunities to socialize, make new connections, and spend time with others.
Eligible participants include individuals age 60 and older and their spouses, regardless of age, who have completed the appropriate program paperwork.
🏠 Home-Delivered Meals: Nutrition at Home
For eligible older adults who meet the home-delivered meal criteria, nutritious meals can be delivered directly to your home. This also provides socialization with the person delivering the meal and acts as a welfare check as well.
Home-delivered meals can help support good nutrition and independence for individuals age 60 and older who have completed the appropriate program paperwork.
🥗 Learn More About Nutrition & Wellness
Healthy aging starts with healthy choices, and you don't have to make those choices alone. Elderbridge offers nutrition education and counseling to provide information, encouragement, and practical strategies for everyday life.
Fresh Conversations
Fresh Conversations is a nutrition education program designed to support healthy aging and independence. Each month, participants gather to discuss current nutrition and health topics, share experiences, and learn practical ways to make healthier choices.
Words on Wellness
Words on Wellness promotes a healthy lifestyle by exploring the power of incorporating healthy practices into daily living. Developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the program is offered in small groups both in person and virtually.
Nutrition Counseling
Have questions about your nutrition or eating habits? Nutrition Counseling is available with a registered and licensed dietitian who can provide answers and individualized guidance in a one-on-one setting.
🚶 Keep Moving & Prevent Falls
Staying active can help support strength, balance, mobility, and confidence. Elderbridge offers several programs designed to help older adults reduce their risk of falls and remain active and independent.
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Tai Chi for Arthritis is suitable for every fitness level. The program can help reduce pain and stiffness while improving strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, physical function, and mobility. It can also help decrease the risk of falls.
The program includes 16 one-hour sessions, held once or twice a week.
Healthy Steps for Older Adults
Healthy Steps for Older Adults is a fall-risk screening and prevention program designed to increase awareness of falls and provide practical steps to reduce fall risk.
Participants learn strategies to improve overall health and receive referrals and resources when appropriate.
The program consists of one to two sessions totaling four hours.
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance helps participants address the fear of falling while learning practical fall-prevention strategies and building confidence.
The program incorporates group discussion, problem solving, skill building, assertiveness training, videos, and exercise training.
The program includes eight two-hour sessions, held once or twice a week.
💚 Healthy Aging Is About More Than Age
Healthy aging isn't about a number—it's about having the tools, resources, connections, and confidence to live the life you want.
Whether your goal is to improve your nutrition, enjoy a meal with others, learn new wellness strategies, become more active, improve your balance, or simply connect with your community, Elderbridge Agency on Aging is here to help.
Take a step toward a healthier you this September!
📞 Let's Get Started
Interested in one of the programs featured above?
Call Elderbridge Agency on Aging at 1-800-243-0678 to speak with one of our Healthy Aging Coordinators. They can answer your questions, provide additional information, and help you explore which programs may be right for you.
Elderbridge Agency on Aging
Supporting older adults in living healthier, more connected, and more independent lives.
🌱 This Healthy Aging Month, make your health a priority.
Nourish your body.
Strengthen your mind.
Stay connected.
Keep moving.
Live well.
