By Charlotte R. Williams, MIPPA & Wellness Coordinator, Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments – Area Agency on Aging
While aging itself is not a disease, with age, the body becomes more vulnerable to diseases.
Many of the diseases and chronic conditions that affect older adults are due to modifiable lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North Carolina, the data shows that heart disease, cancer and stroke are among the leading causes of death for older adults.
The good news is that health education and health promotion efforts can have a significant impact on addressing lifestyle factors and maintaining and/or improving the health and well-being of older persons. One such effort is the Living Healthy Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.
Living Healthy is an evidence-based program that provides solutions to help those with chronic health conditions take charge of their lives by better managing their disease.
Participants in the six-week program learn how to manage symptoms, communicate with their healthcare provider, and better manage stress. Living Healthy participants also learn fitness and nutrition information, problem-solving strategies and how to successfully create an action plan.
The goal is for individuals to leave with greater confidence and the ability to manage their chronic disease. When they complete the program, Living Healthy participants receive free health and wellness tools. They will also be able to, as the Living Healthy motto states, “Feel Better & Take Charge.”
The Living Healthy curriculum has expanded to target diabetes specifically. Living Healthy with Diabetes is now an additional option for those interested in learning how to live healthy while at the same time navigating Diabetes. In addition to the skills learned in Living Healthy, participants will also learn about: healthy eating, and how to plan low fat meals and read nutrition labels.
Research done by Stanford University shows that participants who participate in living healthy demonstrate significant improvements including an increase in exercise, energy and better communication with physicians. One participant shared her testimony, stating that “Everyone has seen an improvement in this woman of 74 years young.” Another workshop participant reported wanting to have ten sessions instead of six.