by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
If you are age 50 and older and interested in participating in a fun educational behavior change incentive program for aging well, you have a chance to attend classes from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Church of St. Joseph Catholic Church Heritage Hall in St. Joseph.
Classes began in September, but are ongoing. During the classes, a variety of experts present on topics related to aging.
Topics that have been discussed so far include exercise, nutrition/healthy eating, advanced care planning, medications and fall prevention.
Financial planning is the scheduled topic for Nov. 14. Additional dates and topics will be announced later.
Parish nurse Marjorie Henkemeyer said the program is designed to promote aging well and helps individuals to explore aspects in their lives such as exercise, nutrition, advanced care planning, financial planning, sleep, medications and community engagement.
“The program helps individuals to work to set goals for a positive approach to aging,” she said.
According to the National Council on Aging website, the Aging Mastery Program is a nationwide program with a presence in more than 260 sites. More than 11,000 participants have completed the classroom program.
The Aging Mastery Program’s core curriculum covers 10 topics. Classroom experiences include interactive learning with an emphasis on peer-to-peer interaction.
There are also elective Aging Mastery Program classes that can be offered as a follow-on to the 10-class core program for graduates. These classes address topics such as patient/physician communication, memory, home safety, malnutrition and bucket lists.
There is also an Aging Mastery Program for Caregivers program available. This class educates caregivers about the impacts of caregiving and also provides them with the tools they need to stay healthier and happier in the caregiving journey.
Since launching in 2013, results have shown older adults in the program significantly increased their social connectedness, physical activity levels, healthy eating habits, use of advanced planning, participation in evidence-based programs and adoption of several other healthy behaviors.
The class is sponsored by the Central Minnesota Council on Aging and Whitney Senior Center.
There is no fee for the classes and registration is not required. For additional information call Henkemeyer at 320-363-4588.
