Programs are designed to empower older adults with insights and strategies to manage and improve their health. Covering challenges faced by older adults emphasizing proactive health maintenance and injury prevention. All our workshops can be in-person or virtual and are FREE.
Our programs help older adults maintain their independence, optimize their physical health, and navigate healthcare with confidence. Let us help you promote proactive approaches that enhance the well-being of older adults and contribute to healthier lives for them and their caregivers.
Evidence Based Programs Certified Through
New Jersey Prevention Network
NJPN is a multifaceted public health agency that supports substance misuse prevention, addiction treatment, and recovery support programs through collaboration and professional training.
Self-Management Resource Center
The Self-Management Resource Center is the culmination of 38 years of research and program development, all focused on the goal of helping people better manage their chronic health conditions.
MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system committed to providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care.
Enhance
Project Enhance provides research coordination, licensing, training, and support for two health promotion programs designed especially for older adults and people aging with disability: Enhance Fitness & Enhance Wellness
Programs Offered
W.I.S.E
Wellness Initiative for Senior Education
The WISE Program is a wellness and prevention program for older adults, teaching them to celebrate healthy aging, make healthy lifestyle choices, and avoid using substances. WISE provides invaluable insight on topics ranging from medication misuse and management, stress management, depression, loneliness and substance use. Since the program was launched in 1996, prevention programs presented by WISE facilitators have reached over 40,000 individuals!
Details
6 sessions 90mins each; Groups of 8-12
- Understand the aging process and make healthy lifestyle choices
- Identify and avoid risk factors and unhealthy behaviors
- Learn about the unique impacts of alcohol and medications on seniors
- Gain skills to navigate healthcare and advocate for personal health needs effectively
And so much more!
Sponsored by:
Chronic Disease Self-Management
These interactive workshops help individuals manage symptoms of chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, stress, and emotional challenges, by tailoring strategies to their personal needs. Supported by health professionals and last updated in 2020, the workshops build confidence through mutual support and practical tools for leading active, fulfilling lives.
Details
6 sessions 2.5hrs each; Groups of 8-14
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- Falls prevention
- Healthy eating
- Better breathing techniques
- Appropriate use of medication
- Working more effectively with health care providers
- Communicating with friends and family
- Communicating with oneself
- Communicating with the health care system
- Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
Diabetes Self-Management
The program teaches effective techniques for managing common diabetes symptoms, including fatigue, pain, blood sugar fluctuations, stress, and emotional challenges such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration. It is designed to build confidence in managing diabetes and support participants in leading active, fulfilling lives through mutual support and shared success. Participants are encouraged to adapt the content to meet their individual needs. All program materials are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with the latest standards of the American Diabetes Association.
Details
6 sessions 2.5hrs each; Groups of 8-14
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- How to use glucose monitoring in order to make day to day decisions and to manage sick days
- Healthy eating
- Appropriate use of medication
- Working more effectively with health care providers
- Recommended tests for prevention or delay of complications
- Proper foot care
- Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
Building Better Caregivers
Skills that may lead to stress reduction for caregiver and their care partner.
Details
6 sessions 2.5hr each; Groups of 8-12
- Self-care methods to improve caregiver’s health
- Dealing with difficult emotions
- Managing difficult care partner behaviors
- Planning for the future
- Finding resources
- Improving communication skills with family and friends
- Family meetings
- Communicating with health professionals and health care system
- Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is the most widely implemented fall prevention program across the country. An evidence-based, field-tested program, A Matter of Balance has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the fear of falling and increasing activity levels among older adults.
Details
8 sessions 2hrs each; Groups of 8-12
Who should attend Matter of Balance?
- Are concerned about falls
- Have sustained falls in the past
- Restrict activities because of concerns about falling
- Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
- Are age 60 or older, community-dwelling and able to problem solve
What do participants learn?
- View falls as controllable
- Set goals for increasing activity levels
- Make changes to reduce fall risk at home
- Exercise to increase strength and balance
Enhanced Fitness
An evidence-based group exercise and falls prevention program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. Discover the joy of staying fit, improving your well-being, and connecting with a supportive group of peers.
Details
- Expert guidance
- Low Impact
- Improved Balance and Flexibility
- Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning
- Maintain Healthy Bones, Muscles and Joints
- Stretching
- Aerobics
- Strength Training
Next Steps
Step 1: Contact our Outreach & Education Coordinator via email or phone.
Step 2: Pick a program.
Step 3: Decide whether Virtual or In-Person sessions are most fitting.
Call Today to Schedule One of Our Programs
Email:
Phone: 219-794-1829
Program Facilitators
Kathleen Barrett
Community Programming & Outreach Supervisor
Vernadine Parker
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Sheila George
Contracted Facilitator
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
We’re always looking to add to the team and get more certified individuals out into the community. If you’re interested in sharing your time to make a direct impact, please reach out today!
Calendar
Programs open to the public, feel free to bring a friend!
W.I.S.E for Seniors: Munster Parks & Recreation - Lions Club Social Center
- 10:00 am
- 8751 Lions Club Drive Munster, IN 46321
Call to Register today! (219) 836-7275 Hosted by Vernadine Parker & Jackie T. Every Tuesday beginning May 12th - June 16th @ 10am- 11:15am
W.I.S.E for Seniors: Dyer-Schererville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
- 1:30 pm
- 1001 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN 46375
Call to Register today! 219-688-1833 Host: Vernadine Parker & Jackie T. Dates: Every Tuesday beginning March 24th - April 28th
W.I.S.E for Seniors: Lake County Public Library Merrillville
- 1:30 pm
- 1919 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Call to Register today! (219) 688-1833. Hosted by Vernadine Parker & Jackie T. Every Thursday beginning May 7th - June 11th @ 1:30pm-3pm
W.I.S.E for Seniors: Maria Reiner Senior Center
- 12:30 pm
- 705 E 4th St, Hobart, IN 46342
Call to Register today! 219-688-1833 Host: Vernadine Parker & Jackie T. Dates: Every Wednesday beginning April 8th - May 13th
