By Alexandra Newman
Wellness can mean different things for different people.
For some it’s doing yoga twice a week. And for others it’s making sure they have that donut on Saturday morning they’re always looking forward to.
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.
August is National Wellness Month, so I thought I’d share with you stories of wellness from a few Area Agency on Aging (AAA) clients and volunteers that I’ve spoken to recently.
When we talk about filling our cup, or “finding our why,” we’re usually talking about wellness. Whether we’re nurturing our mental, physical or spiritual health, we’re doing things that bring us a sense of peace.
“Young people keep you alive. They keep you going,” a Foster Grandparent volunteer, Ella, told me in a recent interview about her experience in the program.
I could hear in Ella’s voice how this program brings wellness to her life, and how she’s able to bring some to others.
“You can impart wisdom to the children and share your knowledge to help them make good decisions,” she said. “Especially for the kids who might be in foster care or don’t have anyone. You can be encouraging of them.”
She said her mom used to tell her that people put you on the sidelines as you get older. “But there’s still life after 70.” And that’s so true for Ella and our other senior volunteers.
For AAA client Birdie, wellness comes in the form of her in-home primary care doctor provided through the Integrated Care at Home program.
“It’s great! I can call AAA any time something comes up,” she said.
For people with high health needs who have a difficult time getting to their doctor’s appointments, like Birdie, we can bring health professionals to them. That includes behavioral health counseling, which there are many barriers to receiving when you’re homebound, or even bedbound.
When we talk about keeping people living in their homes as they age, we want them to do it well. That’s why we as an AAA offer so many programs that support the wellness of our aging population.
From our volunteer programs to our health cooking classes in partnership with Bronson Health Care, to our Diabetes and Chronic Pain PATH classes – we’re a partner in your wellness journey. We can also connect you to services like healthy home-delivered meals.
Can’t make it to a program or class? We offer ways to get involved over the phone, like our Friendly Caller Volunteer Program and we have an upcoming Diabetes PATH class that will be held over the phone. You can call Julie to sign up at 269-982-7759.
Region IV Area Agency on Aging brings a holistic approach to wellness for aging adults. From keeping the mind sharp in our Computer Learning Center, to our free Medicare Assistance program, wellness starts by calling the free Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or by visiting areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.