11/26/2025
🧡 Thanksgiving 🧡
*“This holiday season, let’s talk about mobility + mental health.”
As we celebrate with family, it’s easy to focus just on food, fun, and togetherness — but there’s something deeper worth discussing: how staying mobile as we age supports mental well-being.
Here are a few gentle reminders + conversation prompts that can help older loved ones (and their families) stay active, feel valued, and stay connected:
1. Movement matters
Even simple activities — a walk after dinner, gentle stretching, or balance exercises — help maintain strength and mobility. Over time, this supports independence and confidence. 
2. Mobility = mental resilience
When older adults stay active, it does more than protect their bodies. It can boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve cognitive function. 
3. Create inclusive holiday traditions
• Invite grandparents (or older relatives) to join in, even if for just 10-minute movement breaks between family activities.
• Ask: “What kind of movement feels good for you?” Let them suggest ways to stay active that are meaningful to them.
4. Talk about “what matters”
WebMD’s age-friendly care framework encourages conversations around what’s important — including mobility — so older adults feel heard and respected. 
5. Make a simple mobility plan
Use a tool like the CDC’s MyMobility Plan to map out easy ways to stay safe, active, and independent — and include family in the conversation.
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/cm/aging-stay-mobile
