Dates: Mondays, August 26, September 16 & 30, October 14 & 28; November 18.
Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
No Registration Required.
This free program, open to the public, is available for adults age 50+. The format is designed to counter ageism and promote discussion and interaction among students, health educators, and older adults in the community.
Step one: Community members will have their choice of asking questions on a one-on-one basis from one or all five of the following areas:
1. Overall wellness: Second year nursing students from Blue Ridge Community College enrolled in the Community Nursing class and their professor, Karen Cochran, PhD, will be available to check blood pressures, answer questions regarding sleep and management of medications.
2. Dental health: Pat Wagner, dental educator, and Kelly, an oral care specialist from Senior Oral Services (SOS) will explain how oral health impacts physical and cognitive health. Techniques for teeth brushing, flossing and use of waterpiks will be presented.
3. Movement and exercise: Dr. Robbie Mann & staff from Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center in Brevard will offer fall risk screens, emphasizing prevention and suggest easy to follow exercise routines for older adults.
4. Nutrition/Food choices: Recommendations of food choices that promote heart and brain health and reduce inflammation will be emphasized as well as answer individuals’ questions re diabetes and other health challenges involving nutrition.
5. Cognition: Dr. Paula Hartman-Stein, applied gerontologist and editor of the book, Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults, will offer evidence-based information on cognitive wellness.
Step two: Participants interested in designing their own wellness plan will be assisted in doing so by Dr. Hartman-Stein who will lead a group discussion with those who attend more than one session in the series. To promote intergenerational connections, students and professionals alike will be encouraged to design their own plans & share their challenges and progress during group discussions.
“Age-Well across the Life-Span” is co-sponsored by the city of Brevard & AARP with Dr. Hartman-Stein as program moderator. For questions, contact her at pehartmanstein16@gmail.com.