Vibrant: A new way to assist maturing adults

One in five people will be older than 65 by 2030. 

Committed to building the healthiest community in the nation, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange annually analyzes the health data in the area. One of the highest growing demographics is the maturing population. 

With a grant from the West Orange Healthcare District, the foundation was tasked with finding solutions for this demographic to ensure everyone is being provided a healthy community.

And thus, Vibrant was created.

The new initiative is modeled after Village-to-Village, a national program helping the elderly have an independent, healthy quality of life. 

“It’s our effort at redefining aging in West Orange County,” foundation CEO Tracy Swanson said. 

Launching in early September in the Winter Garden and Ocoee areas, Vibrant is a nonprofit that will provide adults 55 years old and older opportunities to continue living independently. The nonprofit will expand to the Dr. Phillips area in January.

The nonprofit is membership-based, largely volunteer driven and community-centered. 

“I feel like we need our neighbors now more than ever, and it’s not always easy for people in these transient neighborhoods or places where they haven’t lived all their life to build these relationships,” Swanson said. “I think this model offers an opportunity for people to comfortably and safely engage with other individuals and develop those friendships and lasting support networks that will help them age long into their future with the home environments that they’ve become accustom to.”

Vibrant will connect maturing adults with local resources, activities and volunteer opportunities. 

“Isolation is probably one of the biggest things that impact individuals as they lose their ability to drive or transportation becomes more difficult, or their families and friends move away,” Swanson said. “These two areas we selected initially have the highest density of the demographic that this will be serving.” 

Vibrant will offer in-home support, which is as simple as helping change the fire alarm batteries, setting up the TV remote or helping with technology. 

It also will host classes such as yoga classes, cooking classes, dancing classes and more. 

“The social connection is probably one of the biggest opportunities, where in addition to the classes and events and the actual interactions at home, there’s opportunities for people to get out and do cultural events together or just go to a coffee shop or maybe meet up for lunch on a regular basis with a group,” Swanson said. 

According to Swanson, the nonprofit largely is funded by the foundation and initially will be charging $12 per month for a membership. 

Swanson said that’s about 30% off what the annual fee will be when Vibrant is fully operational. 

In the future, Swanson said they hope to roll out a transportation solution, which will happen early 2026. 

“Our biggest ask of the community is to help spread the word as we build momentum,” Swanson said. “And for those that want to help shape these neighborhoods as they are in their charter year, we would love to have people come alongside as a member or even as a volunteer.” 

For more information or to sign up, visit VibrantWO.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Dance Fit N Fierce 

Fitness Studio

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8

WHERE: 1200 E. Plant St., Suite 240, Winter Garden 

Mug Mates: A Friendly and Casual Meet-up 

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 

WHERE: Jeff’s Bagel Run at 2787 Old Winter Garden Road, Ocoee

Small Group Strength Training 

WHEN: 11 a.m. Wed., Sept. 10 

WHERE: Smart Fitness at 324 Moore Road, Ocoee 

Chair Yoga

WHEN: 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11

WHERE: 1200 E. Plant St., Suite 240, Winter Garden 

Friday Night Bites 

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12

WHERE: 4 River Smokehouse at 1047 Dillard St., Winter Garden