Florida State Surgeon General and Elder Affairs Secretary Launch Healthy Aging for a Healthier You

Sarasota, Fla. – Today, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo and Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham visited the Winter Haven Senior Adult Center to discuss healthy aging habits that support balanced nutrition, prevent cognitive decline, and promote overall wellness. Dr. Ladapo and Secretary Branham have launched healthy aging resources on the Florida Department of Health’s Healthier You website.

More than 6.1 million seniors call Florida home – the second highest population in the nation. The Healthier You healthy aging webpage outlines preventative strategies to provide older adults with information on steps they can take to support their overall health with a focus on healthy eating, bone and joint health, physical activity, brain health, and risk reduction for falls which is the leading cause of injuries among Florida residents ages 65 years and older.

“By investing in daily health habits, you can maintain a healthy body and mind as you age,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo. “For example, implementing a diet that provides sufficient Vitamin D and calcium can help support your joint and bone health in the long run. Additionally, staying active through exercises tailored to meet your physical needs, such as low-impact movements like dancing and aquatic exercises, can also help prevent common health issues those 65 and older may experience.”

“It is critical that our Florida seniors have access to resources that improve and maintain their lifestyle habits to ensure healthy aging,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham. “The expansion of Florida’s Healthier You initiative will draw a focus on tips to improve bone and joint health, which is especially important for older adults. I am honored to recognize Bone and Joint Health National Action Week to continue supporting initiatives that assist our cherished seniors!”

Healthier You is a one-stop resource for Floridians to access tips and recommendations on how to live a healthy lifestyle. From staying active to ensuring appropriate nutritional intake, Healthier You provides the educational information Floridians need to optimize their overall health.

For more information and resources, visit the Healthier You website or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ website.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.