Page 23 - SOUTH FLORIDA HOPSITAL NEWS JUNE 2021

ElderCare Update in South Florida...ElderCare Update in South Florida...ElderCare Update in South

Aging Well Today and Beyond

News alert: We are all ageing. Where we age and how well we age can all live, eat and exercise to live longer and stronger.
depends on several factors. The Milken Institute ranks the top cities • Social interaction. No matter how old you are, you need social interac-
for “successful aging” with criteria that covers everything from gen- tion. Unfortunately, during COVID people were isolated in their homes
eral livability to healthcare to education to community engagement. many without physical interaction with their loved ones for months. That
In 2019, South Florida, covering Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West takes a toll on your mental and physical well-being. With the classes,
Palm Beach, ranked 74th in the list of the 100 Best Cities for demonstrations and social amenities we have planned, our center will be
Successful Aging. where patients can come to participate in activities that help us age well.
The good news is we can, and must, create better options for pre- • Communication. Although medical care is one aspect of the AgeWell
vention, healthy behaviors and health care for our population. We Center, navigating the health care system is a family affair. The staff at the
must invest in a quality of life for everyone but particularly our sen- AgeWell Center work to improve the patient and family experience of health
iors in Florida, where 20.5% of the population is 65 years and older. and health care, always moving toward improved options for staying
Florida ranks second in the nation only to Maine at 20.6%. healthy.
Holy Cross Health will soon establish a comprehensive, collabo- BY CAROL TORO, RN, • Technology. The barriers to technology can fall into a few categories:
rative center focused on healthcare, well-being and social interac- BSN, MHA access, affordability and understanding. While COVID forced us to live our
tion, all of which are extremely important to everyone’s mental lives online more than ever before, technology can be a challenge. Adding to
health, regardless of your age. that, many feel embarrassed to admit they don’t know how to navigate the
Our new model of care for the AgeWell Center serves those who are Medicare eli- internet well enough to make appointments or access their medical records. Then
gible and will provide what is needed to age successfully: there are those who cannot afford the expense. At the AgeWell Center, learn how to
• Access to quality healthcare. Dedicated physicians and staff will help navigate the navigate these barriers and feel more in control of your health!
system, assisting with making appointments, case management, social work and if As we come out of National Older Americans Month, let’s look to the future as we
needed home services can be coordinated. Our model allows easier access to physi- improve the options for healthy living in Ft Lauderdale. This summer and fall we will
cians and social workers, when needed. It’s one stop for healthcare needs with imag- invite you to attend a tour of the new Holy Cross Health AgeWell Center. For more
ing, exercise, cafeteria and labs on site. For those in need, the center can arrange for information, visit www.holy-cross.com/agewell.
free transportation to and from the center as well.
• Education. As our population ages, our needs change. Yet nutrition, diet and exer- Carol Toro, RN, BSN, MHA, is Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, ACO at Holy
cise are just as important as they are when we are younger. To that end, we will host Cross Health. She can be reached at (954) 776-3261 or carol.toro@holy-cross.com.
cooking demonstrations, coach wellness behavior and introduce classes on how we

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