Texas Talks

Talking with the older adults in your life about potential needs associated with aging can help everyone prepare for the future. The Texas Talks campaign was created to help you feel more comfortable initiating these conversations and planning for situations that might arise.

Texas Talks launches annually during November. Four different aging-related topics are highlighted, and fact sheets and resources are provided to help guide conversations. Families are encouraged to use the holiday season as an opportunity to begin or continue these crucial conversations.

Learn more by downloading the toolkit and outreach materials through the Aging Well Resources Order Form. Choose “Texas Talks” in the program field.

2024 Topics

The 2024 Texas Talks topics are related to supporting physical and mental health as we age. Texas Talks encourages everyone to:

  • Plan ahead for aging and living well.
  • Discuss changes that can be made now to support your future self.
  • Explore how you support your mental, physical and social health now, and discuss how you can continue in the future.

If you or your loved one need resources right away, contact one of the 28 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Texas that provide information and assistance to people ages 60 and older, as well as their family members and caregivers. Anyone can also contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Find your local AAA or ADRC at https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/pages/find-services.

Supporting Mental Health as We Age

When discussing aging with loved ones, mental health is an important topic. The key to planning future mental health support is to start supporting our mental health now. The following resources can help:

  • The HHSC Turn To campaign connects Texans with resources promoting behavioral health and healthy alternatives to substance use. This encourages Texans to turn to family, friends, communities or public resources when faced with challenging times.
  • Mental Health TX connects people to mental health resources across Texas. From online learning opportunities to help finding a therapist, connect to the support you need for yourself or a loved one.
  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline helps people in crisis 24/7 and is available in English or Spanish. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides mental health education resources and information about support groups.

Begin discussing mental health with your loved ones now with the help of Texas Talks. Go to the Aging Well Resources Order Form, select “worksheet” in the resource type box and look for the Texas Talks worksheet.

Fulfilling Nutrition Needs as We Age

Ensuring access to healthy foods as we age is an important part of aging and living well. By evaluating our current access to nutritious food, we can identify gaps and make changes now that will help us in the future. The following resources can help

Start the conversation with your loved one by accessing the Aging Well Resources Order Form, selecting “worksheet” in the resource type box and looking for the Texas Talks worksheet.

Addressing Physical Health Needs as We Age

According to the National Institute on Aging it’s important to exercise for endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

Endurance builds over time by slowly increasing the length of time you perform a physical activity. Working on strength and balance can help prevent falls. Flexibility makes it easier to move and reach items you might need. Incorporating all of these into a routine now will help in the future.

Texercise, a statewide Texas Health and Human Services Commission initiative, provides free resources to help Texans age and live well. You can learn about and engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors through its handbook, videos, fact sheets and webpage.

Texercise also offers two programs for communities and organizations:

  • Texercise Classic: a 12-week program that brings people together in groups to exercise while providing incentives to motivate participants.
  • Texercise Select: a structured, evidence-based program that provides the tools and reinforcement to help you make sustainable health changes. The program, led by a trained facilitator, requires participants to meet twice a week for 10 weeks.

Additional resources:

Talk to your loved one about developing an exercise plan now and for the future. Go to the Aging Well Resources Order Form, select “worksheet” in the resource type box and look for the Texas Talks worksheet.

Meeting Social Health Needs as We Age

Addressing the issue of social isolation is important. Studies have found social isolation is associated with an increased risk for mortality. The good news is social connection can help, and there are actions that can be taken to address loneliness. Make a plan to increase your social connection now to help stay connected in the future.

As a caregiver for an older adult, planning for their social connection needs can be essential to aging and living well. Consider the following:

  • Are there free or low-cost classes at their senior or recreation center they can try? Learning a new hobby will help them meet people with similar interests.
  • How can they support their favorite cause? Volunteering can help them give back, make a difference and meet new people.
  • How can they widen their social circle? Discuss how they can invest in existing positive relationships and look to create new ones.
  • Find local resources to address barriers to connection.

More resources are available at Age Well Live Well: Be Connected.

To learn how to start the conversation with your loved one, go to the Aging Well Resources Order Form, select “worksheet” in the resource type box and look for the Texas Talks worksheet.