5 Resources to Enhance the Lives of San Antonio Seniors

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While no official age classifies someone as a “senior citizen,” a few big milestones may mark the status.

Some of these milestones include retirement from the workplace, reductions in income, changes in health, and a shift in life priorities – like traveling and making time for social groups.

Adjusting to new life phases as one ages is easy for some, but a struggle for others.

This is especially true for Latino seniors, who face a variety of health disparities, including disproportionate rates of disability, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more.

Combined with a potentially lower income and limited access to healthcare, maintaining a healthy lifestyle in older age can be hard for Latinos and all seniors.

That’s why the city of San Antonio, home of Salud America! and its home base, the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, is dedicated to helping seniors age in place with dignity through various local programs.

Let’s explore these critical resources for San Antonio seniors!

Meals on Wheels San Antonio

Meals on Wheels has been providing nutritious meals and Alzheimer’s services to elderly San Antonio residents for 45 years!

Volunteers and staff help improve the lives and health outcomes of more than 4,500 clients in Bexar and surrounding counties each weekday.

There is no charge for eligible clients if adequate funding is available.

Learn more about Meals on Wheels San Antonio!

City of San Antonio Senior Services

The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services offers a variety of resources for seniors.

These resources include:

Senior centers: With senior centers located throughout the city, seniors will be sure to find the perfect place to get active, socialize, enjoy a nutritious meal, and learn a new skill or hobby. Free transportation to and from senior centers is available. There is no cost for eligible seniors to participate in activities, services, resources, and the daily meal program.

The Healthy Eating Aging Living (HEAL) Program: The HEAL Program provides senior adults and their spouses in Bexar County with a free, nutritionally balanced lunchtime meal in group settings, such as at senior centers. Check out the menu!

Online directory of health and human services: For seniors who may need housing assistance, don’t feel safe at home, or need help paying bills and getting medical supplies, this online directory to local San Antonio resources can help.

Learn more about City of San Antonio Department of Human Services resources!

WellMed Virtual Senior Center

Headquartered in San Antonio, the WellMed Charitable Foundation offers a variety of programs that directly serve seniors and their caregivers, such as the free Virtual Senior Center!

Hop online to enjoy an array of activities, including crafting, cooking, and easy-to-follow exercises.

Learn more about WellMed Virtual Senior Center!

San Antonio Parks and Facilities for Adults and Seniors

For seniors looking for a little more variety in recreational activities and interaction with different age groups, San Antonio has plenty of parks and adult community centers that serve citizens aged 18 and older.

Small fees may be required to participate in activities or to hold a yearly membership to the center (senior discounts available).

Learn more about San Antonio’s Parks and Facilities!

Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Aging Services

AACOG’s aging services provides group meals, home-delivered meals, benefits counseling, care coordination, legal assistance, nutrition and counseling and training, caregiver support, and transportation services.

Services are available in Bexar County and surrounding rural areas, including Kerr, Gillespie, Kendall, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, Wilson, Frio, Atascosa, Karnes, and McMullen Counties.

Services in all areas are free!

Learn more about services in rural areas surrounding Bexar County!

Learn more about AACOG Aging Services!

You Have a Voice for Health Equity

Seniors are just one age group impacted by health disparities.

People of all ages and ethnicities, especially those in black and brown communities, suffer from shortcomings in healthcare and public health.

You can speak up for health equity.

Select your county and get a Health Equity Report Card by Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio.

In your report card, you will see maps, data, and gauges to compare health equity issues, including healthcare access and income level, to the rest of your state and nation.

You can email your Health Equity Report Card to local leaders to stimulate community change. Use the data in your materials or share on social media to raise awareness.

Get your Health Equity Report Card!