Celebrating National Senior Independence Month: Finding Purpose and Joy at Home
February is National Senior Independence Month, a time to celebrate the many ways older adults continue to live full, active and meaningful lives. Independence does not look the same for everyone, but at its heart it is about choice, connection and having the support you need to keep doing the things you love.
At ThriveMore at Home, we see that independence every day. Our members are deeply involved in their communities, sharing their talents, giving back and staying connected, all while having the peace of mind that comes from knowing support is there if and when they need it.
This month, we are proud to highlight two ThriveMore at Home members, Dianne Martin and Linda Cook, whose lives are wonderful examples of what senior independence can look like.
Dianne Martin: Building Strength and Community One Class at a Time
If you ask Dianne Martin why she leads exercise classes for older adults, her answer is simple and genuine.
“I’m doing it because it keeps me exercising and it’s a great sense of community,” she said.
After years of participating in exercise classes in the Washington, D.C. area, Dianne eventually stepped into a leadership role. When she moved to North Carolina, she brought that passion with her, volunteering at a local senior center and starting with just one class. Today, she leads three different classes, each designed with seniors in mind and focused on strength, balance and mobility.
The classes have grown into something much bigger than exercise. On a typical day, about 25 people attend in person, with another 20 joining online. Even on snow days, participation stays strong. One recent winter storm brought 35 people online.
“So it’s kind of like a community,” Dianne said.
Dianne’s classes are offered through a county-run senior center, which she describes as “amazing” and constantly busy. She volunteers her time intentionally, allowing her to focus fully on connection and accessibility without worrying about licensing or liability.
Beyond fitness, Dianne is also active in social justice and educational equity efforts, another reflection of her deep commitment to staying engaged and making a difference. And she is always welcoming new faces.
“If anybody wants to join in, they are welcome to sign on and be part of the class,” she said.
Linda Cook: Independence with Purpose and the Freedom to Choose
For Linda Cook, independence means having the freedom to choose how she spends her time and filling it with things that matter.
A native North Carolinian, Linda retired at 70 after a long career in public service, including 20 years with the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. These days, she lives in Chapel Hill near her daughter and stays active in ways that bring both structure and joy.
“You need to fill your time or else you get bored and probably get depressed,” Linda said. “I think it’s important to have purpose. I’m a helping person, that’s who I am. I’ve just decided I’m going to pick and choose [how I help].”
Linda volunteers weekly at the local senior center, supporting staff in the volunteer office and helping during tax season by assisting seniors with paperwork and check-ins. She also lends her skills to her homeowners association and stays socially connected by organizing trips to the Temple Theatre in Sanford, often driving friends herself.
“Just being free to do what you want to do, not what you have to do,” she said of the freedom she enjoys in retirement.
Linda also values independence in quieter ways. She manages her own investments, reads The Wall Street Journal every morning and treasures time with her two grandchildren. Over winter break, she taught her granddaughter how to sew and together they finished a dress.
Living independently does not mean going it alone, Linda notes. Having supportive neighbors, family nearby and the ability to drive gives her confidence and flexibility. Being part of ThriveMore at Home adds another layer of reassurance.
Independence, Supported
At ThriveMore at Home, independence is not about doing everything by yourself. It is about living life on your own terms, with support ready when you need it. Our membership program is designed for older adults who want to remain in their own homes while staying connected, protected and empowered.
This National Senior Independence Month, we celebrate members like Dianne and Linda and the countless others who show us every day that aging can be active, purposeful and deeply fulfilling.
