As a late bloomer, I know it is never too late to live your best life. My first week at my summer fellowship with At Home By High is the perfect example. Having the pleasure of facilitating the bingo game at the weekly coffee meet-up with clients at a local library, you quickly see that they are lively, youthful souls. This week was especially special for them because Community Properties of Ohio hosted a senior prom for their residents. For some, just like the high schoolers, it was their first prom. That meant an err of excitement and preparation for the big day night. It was a joy to see the residents and clients all dressed up and ready to have a good time with the residents from the other properties.

Youthful at heart, but physically the seniors’ bodies are saying something else; two medical students from OSU began the weekly meeting with a presentation on fall prevention and risk factors from improper shoes to rugs. They pointed out that falls can often be fatal due to solitude and delay in medical response. The most common location of falls are at home. So if you have an aging or senior neighbor, periodically check in on them, especially in the summer months, and encourage socialization among their peers and intergenerational. With intergenerational connections, not only do they learn from each other, but it also tends to keep them healthier and socially thriving.

Helping a person aging in place and maintaining healthy social connections is needed to support local communities. Social services like At Home By High allow aging populations to actively support local businesses they would not typically be able to enjoy like Saucy Brew Works, where we all had lunch this week. Often the aging and disabled residents are limited to their building or block due to fixed income, mobility, or lack of transportation. Physical and social isolation often leads to mental and physical unhealthiness. So check on your aging neighbors, get to know them, and help them in any way you can. Intergenerational connections are vital for healthy, equitable neighbors. Both parties benefit from learning from each other. For aging persons, being active and social could mean a longer and healthier life. This week, taking pictures of the clients excited and dressed up before their yearly prom and lunch at Saucy showed me it is always possible to do things like prom or try something new outside the block. So explore local businesses and try something new even if you think you’re too old.