We were honored to participate in the 2026 Florida Council on Aging Conference this week, joining hundreds of leaders who are working every day to improve the lives of older adults, strengthen communities, and support family caregivers. Throughout the conference, one message rose above every conversation: no single organization can meet the growing needs of our aging population alone. Health plans, aging service providers, public health agencies, community-based organizations, and local leaders all have an important role to play. The future of healthy aging depends on how well we work together.

Research has shown that volunteering leads to better health and that older volunteers are the most likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities.  Volunteering often leads to what is referred to as a "helper's high".

Losing sleep, poor eating habits, irritability or short tempered - these symptoms may start small and snowball quickly into what is referred to as caregiver burnout.   Professionals and families need to know what to look for and how to help caregivers.  It's a serious matter and growing, as more families are caring for their loved ones at home with little or no help.