And Connection Helps Us Thrive
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer – United Way Charlotte County
Earlier this week, I read an editorial in the Charlotte County Sun that stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that too many of our neighbors—people right here in our community—will spend the holidays alone. While this is a national issue, it disproportionately affects older adults, and loneliness has quietly become a serious public health concern.
Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and isolation often intensify during the holidays, revealing a deeper truth that extends well beyond one season: the heart of aging is connection. A sense of belonging is essential if we want individuals—and communities—to flourish.
That belief is at the core of United Way Charlotte County’s (UWCC) mission: mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive.
Three years ago, UWCC launched Ageless United in response to what we were seeing across Charlotte County: more seniors living alone, caregivers feeling overwhelmed, and service providers doing important work—but often in disconnected systems. Ageless United was created to bring people together, reduce isolation, and strengthen the systems that help older adults remain engaged, supported, and valued.
UWCC is not a direct service provider—we are a mobilizer. We convene partners, align resources, and help remove barriers so solutions can grow. Through Ageless United, we mobilize volunteers, create meaningful opportunities for engagement, link older adults to critical resources and digital navigation resources so individuals can remain informed, involved, and independent.
Our work closely aligns with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging, where UWCC serves as a community partner. FGCU’s strategic focus on advancing healthspan—not just lifespan—reflects a shared understanding: living longer does not automatically mean living better. Thriving requires attention to physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, social relationships, economic stability, and a sense of belonging.
Southwest Florida is aging faster than almost anywhere in the country. Nearly one in three residents is age 65 or older, and the fastest-growing group is adults 85 and older. Many face challenges with healthcare access, housing, transportation, food security, caregiving, and social isolation. These are not isolated issues. They are systems challenges—and they require coordinated, collaborative solutions.
On January 20, UWCC will host the 2nd Annual Ageless United Luncheon, a signature event dedicated to creating a more age-friendly community where every generation is supported, valued and engaged.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Adam Perry, President of Healthspan Partners, will present Building an Age-Friendly, Dementia-Proficient Charlotte County, sharing how communities can better recognize vulnerabilities, engage seniors as partners, leverage resources, and strengthen supports that promote resilience and connection. Our Master of Ceremonies, Mark Martella, Managing Owner of Martella Law Firm, PLLC, brings deep experience in elder law and advocacy, adding perspective on planning, protection, and quality of life.
So who needs to be there?
Senior service providers. Funders. First responders. Caregivers. Medical and healthcare professionals. Businesses. Community leaders. And anyone committed to building a community where older adults can live fully, safely and with connection.
Connection does not happen by accident. It happens when communities come together with intention. That is the role of UWCC. That is the purpose of Ageless United. And that is why this luncheon matters. Join us on January 20, to help strengthen our community, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/HeartofAging
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.