Evidence Based Health and Wellness Programs Currently Offered by COSA's Health and Wellness Program

  • A Matter of Balance- Developed at Boston University, A Matter of Balance is a program 2 hours once a week for 8 weeks and is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants gain confidence by learning to: 1) view falls as controllable; 2) set goals for increasing activity; 3) make changes to reduce fall risk at home; and 4) exercise to increase strength and balance. More information can be found at https://mainehealth.org/healthy-communities/healthy-aging/matter-of-balance.

 

  • Active Living Every Day- This 12-weekly session behavior change program developed by Human Kinetics helps participants overcome their barriers to physical activity and make positive changes that improve their health and well-being. Participants learn to set goals, overcome barriers, and find activities they enjoy to add physical activity into their daily lives.

 

  • Chronic Disease Self-Management Program/Diabetes Self-Management Program/Chronic Pain Self-Management Program- Developed at Stanford University, these programs are run in community venues for 6 weekly sessions, one time per week for approximately 2 1/2 hours. They provide individuals with the tools to be a good self-manager of their chronic health problems. More information can be viewed at https://www.selfmanagementresource.com.

 

  • Healthy Steps for Older Adults- This program is a fall prevention program developed by the PA Department of Aging and is offered in two 2 1/2 hour sessions. It involves information, interactive activities and practice of some easy stretching and strengthening exercises as well as a very simple fall assessment. More information can be found at https://www.ncoa.org/resources/healthy-steps-older-adults-program-summary/

 

  • Walk with Ease-Arthritis Foundation Walking Program- This Arthritis Foundation program is offered three times per week for one hour for 6-weeks.This program has been proven to reduce the pain of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence in your ability to be physically active; and improve your overall health. Information is shared at each session and then the group walks. More information can be found about this program at http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/walk-with-ease/

 

  • WISE Program (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education)- Developed by the New Jersey Prevention Program, this award-winning program offers six 2-hour sessions offered once a week that cover a wide range of topics such as: the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices; risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy; how alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how you can avoid problems; how to use simple tools to help you feel more empowered about your health and the healthcare you receive; and celebrate this exciting stage of life and all the benefits that come with it. More information can be found about this program at http:// www.njpn.org/initiatives/wise/

For more information, contact Ellen Williams at 610-499-1937 or [email protected]

To view a PowerPoint presentation which provides more information about each program, click here.

Revised 9/28/20