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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 0:45 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Community Spotlight: “Aging Gracefully” – Tulsa’s New Initiative to Keep Seniors Healthy, Active, and Connected

A local, low‑cost program is giving Tulsa’s seniors a fresh, community‑focused way to stay healthy, active and socially engaged. The Tulsa Community Center’s “Aging Gracefully” event, held last Thursday evening, drew a lively crowd of older adults, their families, and a panel of experts eager to share practical strategies for living well past 60. The event was part of a larger effort by the Tulsa County Health Department to promote an “age‑friendly” community—an initiative that emphasizes health, accessibility, and social inclusion for all residents, regardless of age.

What the Event Was About

The evening’s agenda began with a welcoming address by Tulsa City Manager, who underscored the city’s commitment to supporting its aging population. “We have more people than ever who want to stay active and engaged,” she said, stressing that “our community has a responsibility to provide the resources and opportunities for seniors to thrive.” The event featured four short talks, followed by an informal networking session where participants could meet experts, ask questions, and learn about local resources.

The first speaker was Dr. Susan Patel, a geriatrician at Tulsa Medical Center. She provided a concise overview of the “four pillars of healthy aging” – balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social connection. Her key points included:

• Nutrition: Emphasize a plant‑rich diet, moderate protein, and hydration. Dr. Patel recommended “small, frequent meals” to prevent the blood‑sugar dips that can leave seniors feeling weak or dizzy. She also highlighted the importance of reducing sodium intake to manage blood pressure and heart health.

• Exercise: Light to moderate activity is more sustainable for older adults than intense workouts. Dr. Patel demonstrated a short stretching routine that seniors can safely do at home or in a community gym.

• Mental Stimulation: Cognitive challenges such as puzzles, learning a new skill, or even engaging in conversation help preserve memory and slow cognitive decline.

• Social Connection: Loneliness is a serious health risk for seniors. The city’s “Age‑Friendly” initiative encourages community centers, libraries, and faith‑based organizations to host regular events that bring people together.

The second speaker, Lisa Green, a senior‑care coordinator with the Tulsa County Department of Aging Services, spoke about the practical side of maintaining health. She explained the various programs available to seniors—free transportation to medical appointments, medication management classes, and community‑based support groups. Green highlighted a new “Senior Wellness Passport” that allows residents to track their participation in health activities, and how the passport can be used for a discount on local grocery stores.

The third presentation was given by Mark Johnson, a physical therapist who runs an “Active Aging” class at the Tulsa Community Center. He emphasized the benefits of balance training for fall prevention, and demonstrated simple exercises that can be done in any living space. Johnson also shared a new “Fall‑Free” initiative that pairs community volunteers with seniors to check their home environment for hazards—such as loose rugs or inadequate lighting—especially in the bedroom and bathroom.

The final talk was by Margaret Thompson, a 68‑year‑old Tulsa resident who has participated in the “Aging Gracefully” program since it started last year. She shared her personal journey: after a mild hip fracture, she learned to exercise at home, use technology to connect with distant family, and volunteer at the community garden. “It’s about staying active, staying connected, and staying curious,” Thompson said. Her testimony resonated with many in attendance, and the event ended on a note of empowerment.

Resources and Next Steps

The event concluded with a distribution of resource packets that featured:

• A list of local health‑and‑wellness programs, including a free senior‑fitness class at the Tulsa Community Center and a volunteer mentor program for technology skills.
• Contact information for the Tulsa County Department of Aging Services, local senior centers, and the Tulsa Health Department’s “Health for All” hotline.
• A “Healthy Aging Toolkit” with printable nutrition charts, exercise logs, and a calendar for social activities.

For more information, participants were encouraged to visit the Tulsa County Department of Aging Services website (https://www.tulsacounty.gov/aging) and the Tulsa Health Department’s “Age‑Friendly Community” page (https://oklahoma.gov/health/seniors). The Tulsa Community Center’s event page, which includes a PDF of the presentation slides, can be found on Local12’s community portal (https://local12.com/community).

The “Aging Gracefully” event also highlighted a partnership with the Tulsa Regional Medical Center, which will host a quarterly “Senior Health Expo.” The expo will provide on‑site health screenings, a panel of doctors and nutritionists, and a showcase of senior‑friendly technology gadgets. The first expo is scheduled for next month, and attendees are invited to register online through the Tulsa Health Department’s website.

Why It Matters

Tulsa, like many American cities, is experiencing a demographic shift. The senior population is projected to grow by more than 30% over the next decade. “Healthy aging” is no longer a personal goal—it’s a community imperative. By equipping seniors with knowledge, resources, and social connections, Tulsa’s “Aging Gracefully” initiative is building a foundation for healthier, more vibrant older adults.

For the 90‑plus attendees who left the Tulsa Community Center that night, the message was clear: you can still thrive, stay active, and enjoy life’s later years with confidence. And for the city, the event reinforced a commitment to creating an age‑friendly community that meets the needs of every resident, from their 30s to their 90s.