Healthy and Independent Seniors

Healthy Independent and Active Seniors

More senior citizens stay healthy, active and independent in our community due to efforts of your local United Way and its partners. Contribute today to help fund our Health Initiatives.

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona recognizes the importance of supporting both self-sufficient and dependent seniors. United Way sponsors many core programs that help seniors stay healthy and lead active, productive lives.

CAREGIVERS: Your local United Way also provides family caregivers of dependent elderly with the help they need to balance work, family and caregiving responsibilities. The strategy includes linking caregivers to support services through doctors and faith-based and neighborhood leaders. More than 9,000 family caregivers have received a copy of United Way’s free manual printed in English and Spanish titled, “How to Be a Resilient Caregiver.” To download a copy of the “How to be a Resilient Caregiver” manual as a PDF document Click Here.

VOLUNTEERS: United Way supports programs that provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for retirees that enable them to use their time and experience to give back to the community.  Hundreds of volunteers serve as teachers, mentors, tutors, advisors and companions to others.  Additionally, more than 80 local neighborhoods and congregations have initiated volunteer caregiving programs for the elderly. More than 100 community and church volunteers are trained as ambassadors to seniors and caregivers at more than 200 sites throughout Pima County.

ORAL HEALTH: Oral Health is a major issue for our seniors.  United Way has made it possible to complete many senior oral projects including distributing oral health manuals in English and Spanish in the community.

Click here to obtain a copy in English and Spanish.

SNAP: Maintaining adequate nutrition on a limited income is often hard to do.  Many retirees are not aware that they might be eligible to participate in the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program).  Others find it difficult to navigate the application process.  Your local United Way was selected to work with Arizona government agencies to streamline the application process statewide and work with local faith based and community organizations to assist eligible individuals in applying for this benefit in their own neighborhood. 

You can use Health-e-Arizona to apply on-line for medical assistance, Food Stamps, and cash assistance.

Usted puede utilizar Health-e-Arizona para solicitar asistencia médica, Estampillas de Comida, y asistencia en effectivo atraves de el internet. 




United Way's newest publication to aid seniors through the retirement planning process is the all-encompassing retirement guide, "Transforming Retirement with Extended Life Options." Click here to learn more.  

 Recommended Web Links

Contact

For more information about keeping Seniors Independent and Active, please contact:

Kathy Wilson, PhD
Seniors Director
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
520.903.9000 ext. 724
kwilson@unitedwaytucson.org