Aging and
Youth Directors Corner
FREE PREVENTIVE HEALTH
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
WAYNE COUNTY SENIORS
There are plenty of opportunities available in Wayne County for seniors to improve their health and some are even fun!
Wayne County Action Program (483-8080) offers the following:
Living Healthy: This is the Stanford University School of Medicine evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Living Healthy is a six-part program led by trained facilitators that helps participants understand the difference between acute and chronic diseases, how to break the “symptom cycle” of chronic diseases and develop strategies and methods to empower seniors to better manage their symptoms, and learn to use action plans to address short- and long-term goals in meaningful, measureable, and manageable ways.
Bone Builders: This is a Tufts University program that addresses osteoporosis prevention. Trained leaders provide classes twice per week for senior citizens in which safe, effective, low-impact exercise is taught. Group members participate at their own pace in primarily chair-based exercises. Leaders also provide brief health-related information on a regular basis. Classes are offered at two of the Lunch Club 60 locations in Clyde and Wolcott, at the Newark Highrise, and at the United Third Methodist Church in Sodus.
Senior Steppers: This is a group of approximately twenty seniors that meets weekly to practice their line dancing performances. These performances are the venue for their delivery of health education pertaining primarily to prevention of fall-related injuries. Materials from the National Institute of Health’s “Ages Pages” are used as the basis for this education.
Volunteer Transportation Corps: This is a group of volunteers that provides transportation for medical needs to other seniors. Drivers use their own vehicles to provide door-to-door service to their passengers and accompany them to, into, and from their medical appointments. Drivers are offered the AARP 55 Alive driver training program free of charge, and are provided a modest mileage reimbursement. Donations are requested—not required—from riders based on distance to/from appointments.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Program (331-8415) offers the following:
Eat Smart NY for Seniors: Eat Smart NY is a nutrition education opportunity provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County for families, individuals, and seniors who meet eligibility criteria. For seniors, trained educators tailor sessions to address interests such as making meals that count for one or two people; changing up favorite recipes to reduce sugar, fat, or salt but keep the delicious flavor; stretching food dollars; brushing up on food safety skills; and having fun preparing and tasting new recipes.
Eat Smart NY works best by reaching people in groups, such as church groups, senior clubs, or groups in other community settings. Schedule the program (eight weekly sessions) by calling 331-8415.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is able to work one-on-one with people in their homes as an alternative to groups. To be eligible, participants need to receive food stamps (or have applied for them), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or assistance from food pantries.
Penny Shockley, Director