As Senior Poverty Reaches 15%–Highest of Any Age Group– Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) Responds with Free Medicare Workshops, Nutrition Classes, and New Transportation Option
With senior poverty now the highest of any age group, SFC combats barriers to help older adults access essential services across Charlotte County.
[Sarasota, FL, October 1, 2025] – Senior Friendship Centers strengthens access to essential services, removing barriers that prevent older adults from being healthy, informed, connected and independent.
U.S. Census Bureau’s annual data shows the poverty rate for adults over 65 rose to 15%, the highest of any age group. Medical expenses alone pushed 7.5 million people into poverty, disproportionately affecting seniors on fixed incomes. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that socioeconomic hardship can compound social isolation, increasing risk of depression, illness, and even premature mortality.
In Southwest Florida, where nearly one-third of the population is seniors, Senior Friendship Centers closes the gap through free educational workshops open to all older adults and no-cost transportation for clients.
“Too often, ageism hides the truth of what older adults are facing—rising costs, lack of access to information, and barriers to healthy living,” said Erin McLeod, President & CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. “Our response is clear: meet people where they are, protect their health, and strengthen their support system. Aging with dignity means giving people tools to thrive and filling the gaps when other safety nets fall short.”
Free Workshops | Open to the Public | Harbor Heights Location at 27420 Voyageur Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Medicare 101* | Wednesday, October 15 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Presented by John Gonzales of Humana; session helps older adults prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), including plan comparisons, 2026 updates to Part B premiums, and Social Security deductions
Nutrition Class* | Wednesday, October 22 | 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Led by retired nutritionist Cheryl Kiaffa, class shares simple strategies for affordable healthy eating, reading nutrition labels, and preparing balanced meals.
*No registration required
Free Transportation and Meals
Through a partnership with Charlotte County Government, transportation to Senior Friendship Centers’ Harbor Heights location (27420 Voyageur Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33983) is now available at no cost for adults 60 and older. Registered participants are picked up from their homes at scheduled times to access free breakfast, lunch, and group activities held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Thisincludes a rotating schedule of wellness and exercise classes throughout the month.
For more information on free workshops or to get access to free transportation and/or meals, please call (941) 255-0723 or visit friendshipcenters.org
For those unable to travel, SFC home-delivered meals are also available. Please call Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-413-5337 to determine eligibility.
About Senior Friendship Centers: The mission of Senior Friendship Centers is to build vibrant communities by advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment throughout the journey of aging. Since 1973, this organization has served people 50 and older in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee Counties with programs and services including activity centers, lifelong learning, dining centers and meals delivered to the homebound, caregiver support, adult day services, supportive aging services, and volunteer opportunities. For more information about Senior Friendship Centers, call (941) 955-2122 or visit www.friendshipcenters.org
