A "health program" can mean many things. It might be a yearly checkup that Medicare pays for, a six-week class on living with arthritis or diabetes, a gym membership that comes with your health plan, or a support group for family caregivers. This guide sorts them into five types, tells you who can join, what they cost and how to sign up. Where a state page does not list a price, we say so instead of guessing. For help with money, housing and food, see our guides to Florida senior assistance programs and senior citizen benefits.
Types of Health Programs Available to Seniors in Florida
1. State and Local Wellness and Prevention Programs
Florida's Department of Elder Affairs runs a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program paid for through the Older Americans Act (Title III-D). Local partners hold workshops, seminars and health screenings on topics like mental health, nutrition, oral health and physical fitness. The program also offers disease prevention classes on arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, flu, osteoporosis and stroke. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.)
The state's Senior Health and Wellness Program delivers these services through about 260 senior centers, which offer health, social, nutrition, education and recreation activities. Call the Elder Helpline to find one near you. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.)
Falls prevention is another focus. Elder Affairs and the Florida Department of Health are building a statewide falls prevention coalition. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.) In practice, you will find falls classes locally. For example, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida lists a free "A Matter of Balance" workshop series in Englewood that needs registration. See our roundup of fall senior events, and read our tips on home safety for aging in place.
2. Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs
These are small-group workshops for people living with a long-term condition. The best known is the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, often called Living Well. It meets for about 2.5 hours a week for six weeks in community locations. Topics include pain, nutrition, exercise, medication use, emotions and talking with your doctor. (Source: National Council on Aging.) Groups are usually 10 to 15 people and meet at senior centers, churches, libraries or online. To find one, ask your Area Agency on Aging or search the Eldercare Locator.
For people at risk of type 2 diabetes, Medicare covers a special course. See the Medicare-linked programs below.
3. Fitness and Movement Programs
SilverSneakers gives members access to participating gyms and community fitness locations, live online classes and on-demand workouts. Your eligibility depends on your health plan, not just your age. Many Medicare Advantage plans include it, and some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do too. Check your plan on SilverSneakers.com or call the number on your plan card. (Source: SilverSneakers.) If your plan does not include it, ask your local senior center about exercise classes. Browse ideas in our guide to senior-friendly activities in Florida.
4. Mental Health and Social Wellness Programs
Staying connected is part of staying healthy. Senior centers offer social and recreation programs, and caregivers can join classes like the free six-week SAVVY Caregiver series that the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida lists in Cape Coral and Sarasota. (See our events roundup for dates.)
For families coping with memory loss, the state's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI) offers respite care, case management, counseling, support groups and caregiver training. It also funds 17 Memory Disorder Clinics across 13 service areas for diagnosis and referral. Respite services are for people 18 and older with probable Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Contact your Area Agency on Aging. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.) Read more in our guides to dementia caregiving and memory care in Florida.
If you or a loved one is in emotional distress, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time of day.
5. Medicare-Linked Health Programs
- Annual Wellness Visit: Medicare Part B covers one wellness visit every 12 months. Your provider reviews your medical history and medicines, checks routine measurements like blood pressure, screens for memory problems and gives you a written plan for screenings and vaccines. It is a prevention planning visit, not a full physical exam. You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment. (Source: Medicare.gov.)
- Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program: a coaching program for people with prediabetes. It has 16 weekly sessions over six months, then six monthly follow-up sessions, with coaching, exercise guidance and peer support. You can join in person, live online or self-paced online. You pay nothing if you qualify. (Source: Medicare.gov.)
- Preventive shots: Medicare covers flu and COVID-19 shots under Part B, and RSV shots under Part D. See our guide to fall shots for Florida seniors.
- Plan perks: Medicare Advantage plans may add extras such as SilverSneakers. Benefits differ by plan and county, so compare plans each fall. Free, unbiased help is available from SHINE. See how to get a SHINE counselor and our Medicare options guide.