South Florida Institute on Aging

South Florida Institute on Aging A woman-led, grassroots nonprofit organization who empowers aging people to THRIVE! We are a think and act tank that empowers people as they age.

06/11/2026

Aging looks different for everyone, but one thing many families share is the quiet weight of navigating it alone.

In this clip from the SoFIA Virtual Sessions, one of our board members and in-home care agency owner M. Denise Simmons opens up about caring for her mother through dementia, the overwhelm, the isolation, the emotional toll it takes on work and everyday life.

Her story is a reminder that caregiving doesn't have a one-size-fits-all journey. Some days are hard. Some days you're running on empty before you even walk through the door. And most days, you're doing it without asking for help because who has time?

But here's the truth: you don't have to muster through alone.

At SoFIA, we believe in shedding light on every facet of what it means to grow older, for the person aging AND the people who love them. Because the more we talk about it, the better equipped our families and communities become.

Our next Virtual Session is June 17th. Have you saved your spot yet?

🔗 Click the Link to Join Us https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

Aging isn't a decline, it's a continuation. And it's time we start talking about it that way.Join us on June 17th at 12P...
06/10/2026

Aging isn't a decline, it's a continuation. And it's time we start talking about it that way.

Join us on June 17th at 12PM for a FREE virtual conversation hosted by our CEO Cresha Reid and if you're 50+, a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone who believes every older adult deserves to feel seen and valued, this one is for you.

We'll be exploring the real, diverse stories of aging while challenging the outdated narratives and replacing them with something far more truthful: that growing older can mean growing fuller, bolder, and more connected than ever.

Special SoFIA volunteers will be joining live to share their personal experiences around inclusion, dignity, and what it truly means to age on your own terms. Their stories will move you.

This is more than a webinar. It's a new conversation and it starts with us.

📅 June 17th | 🕛 12:00 PM EST | 💻 Virtual & FREE
👉 RSVP at the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

Do you know someone 50+ whose talent deserves a bigger stage than the living room? Maybe it's the neighbor who sings lik...
06/09/2026

Do you know someone 50+ whose talent deserves a bigger stage than the living room?

Maybe it's the neighbor who sings like nobody's listening. The friend who makes a room erupt in laughter. The parent who writes poetry that moves you to tears. Or maybe… that someone is you.

SoFIA's Got Talent is calling and we want to see what you've got.

Whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, spoken word, or something we've never even seen before, if it deserves a spotlight, we want to put you in it. All while supporting a cause that truly matters: empowering and celebrating our South Florida seniors.
Call 954-484-7117 for more details

Tag a friend below who needs that little extra push.👇

06/05/2026

40% of healthcare providers feel uncomfortable diagnosing dementia.

Let that sink in.

If doctors aren't always equipped, then you need to be. Dr. Erik Ilyayev shared important information about dementia warnings at our last SoFIA Virtual Session, walking families through exactly what a proper dementia diagnosis involves so they can ask the right questions and advocate with confidence.

This is the kind of conversation that changes outcomes.

Don't miss what's coming next.
📅 SoFIA Virtual Session | Wednesday, June 17th | 12PM EST
FREE & open to all.

🔗 Register now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/04/2026

You cannot pour from an empty cup.... this was a reminder from our board member and senior in-home care agency owner M. Denise Simmons Simmons during the last SOFIA Virtual Session.

We came together as a community along with Dr. Erik Ilyayev who shared the warning signs of dementia and how isolation is one of the major factors.

Whether it's family, friends, adult daycare centers, or organizations like ours, connectedness isn't a luxury, for seniors and caregivers it's a lifeline.

If this resonates with you, we'd love to see you at our next SoFIA Virtual Session!
🗓️Wednesday, June 17th | 12PM EST

👇 Click the link below to register, spots are free and open to all!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a FREE service helping adults 65+ and those living with disabilities access the pro...
06/02/2026

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a FREE service helping adults 65+ and those living with disabilities access the programs built for them.

Our team helps with both new applications AND recertifications because your support shouldn't fall through the cracks at renewal time either.

These are programs you qualify for and we make sure you can access them.

📞 Call us today: 954-484-7117

Government benefit programs exist to help people thrive. But between the paperwork, eligibility requirements, and annual...
05/28/2026

Government benefit programs exist to help people thrive. But between the paperwork, eligibility requirements, and annual recertifications accessing them can feel like a full time job.

But we believe complexity shouldn't be the reason someone goes without.

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a FREE service for adults 65+ and those living with disabilities in South Florida who need help accessing:
✅ Medicare Part D Extra Help
✅ Medicare Savings Program
✅ Medicaid
✅ SNAP

We don't just help with the initial application, we help with recertifications too, so benefits remain uninterrupted year after year.

Since 1970, The SoFIA has been breaking down barriers for older adults across South Florida. This program is a direct extension of that mission.

📞 Call 954-484-7117 to get started

Today is the day. SoFIA Virtual Session is happening THIS AFTERNOON and there is still time to join us.📅 Wednesday, May ...
05/27/2026

Today is the day.

SoFIA Virtual Session is happening THIS AFTERNOON and there is still time to join us.

📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM | Virtual

Dr. Erik Ilyayev and M. Denise Simmons are leading a conversation that every caregiver, healthcare professional, and community member needs to hear on dementia, mental wellness, social isolation, and how we show up for our aging loved ones.

This is your reminder. Register, log on, and be part of it.
👉 Sign Up Now https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tomorrow is the day and you don't want to miss this.We're just 24 hours away from the very first SoFIA Virtual Session o...
05/26/2026

Tomorrow is the day and you don't want to miss this.

We're just 24 hours away from the very first SoFIA Virtual Session on mental wellness, dementia, caregiving, and social isolation in the lives of older adults.

What to expect:
✅ Expert insights from Dr. Erik Ilyayev on dementia, the warning signs, care options, and why early intervention changes everything
✅ Real community perspective from SoFIA Board Member, senior care advocate and professional M. Denise Simmons
✅ A honest conversation about what older adults and their families are truly facing

📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM | Virtual

👉 Register now https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

We're bringing the community together for a powerful virtual conversation you won't want to miss.🧠 Connected Minds, Conn...
05/21/2026

We're bringing the community together for a powerful virtual conversation you won't want to miss.

🧠 Connected Minds, Connected Community
📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM EST | Virtual

Join us as Dr. Erik Ilyayev, physician and dementia care innovator, breaks down what every family needs to know about dementia, the warning signs, care options, and why early intervention changes everything.

Alongside him, SoFIA Board Member and senior care advocate M. Denise Simmons will bring the community voice, speaking to the everyday realities families face when caring for aging loved ones.

Together, they'll lead a meaningful conversation on:
✅ Mental wellness & emotional resilience
✅ The dangers of social isolation
✅ Caregiving challenges & support
✅ How our community can help older adults not just survive, but truly thrive

Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, community partner, donor, or someone who believes in the power of community, this conversation is for YOU.

👉 Reserve your spot today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

Address

PO Box 121624
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33312

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19544847117

Website

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