Mastering Aging

“The program was actually profound for me... The classes offered ways to make the years happier, healthier and more worry free”

Today’s older adults have been given the unprecedented gift of health and time. They can look forward to a longer life than their parents – much of it in good health. But are seniors making the most of this phase of life?

The answer is often no, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Aging has changed remarkably since the last generation entered into retirement, but it turns out that expectations haven’t changed much since the 1950s. The result is that today’s older adults may be unprepared for this new stage of life. In response, NCOA created the Aging Mastery Program® in order for people aged 50 to 100 to make the most of their gift of longevity.

The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) is described as a fun, innovative and person-centered education program that empowers participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and for others. AMP encourages aging mastery – developing sustainable behaviors across many areas. Participants work to increase their social connectedness, physical activity levels, healthy eating habits, understanding of preventive benefits, communication with their health care team and use of advanced planning.

“Our results show that the majority of participants have made positive changes that improved their health, productivity, quality of life and community commitment,” said Emily Dessem, Associate Director of the program.

“The fun part is that each of the sessions is led by an expert, but that they are very interactive and engaging,” said an enthusiastic program participant.

What started as a pilot program is growing across the country. With more than 125 sites from Florida to Washington State reaching thousands of boomers and seniors, NCOA expects the program to continue to grow. There are currently 17 Aging Mastery Programs in Washington State, with more to come.

Issaquah Senior Center offers one of the area’s Aging Mastery Programs. The center’s Executive “The program was actually profound for me... The classes offered ways to make the years happier, healthier and more worry free” Director Courtney Jaren said, “The Aging Mastery Program is such a fabulous learning and sharing opportunity to support seniors who want to age in place. The curriculum covers the gamut of senior living, from health to happiness. We are grateful to the National Council on Aging for developing and providing this program. Issaquah Senior Center is also grateful to Swedish Hospital Issaquah for its sponsorship in terms of financial support and speakers for the program.”

For more information about the Aging Master Program, visit www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/ aging-mastery-program

Source: National Council on Aging

MORE INFORMATION

Current Aging Mastery Programs in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties include:

• Issaquah Senior Center, 425-392- 2381, www.issaquahseniorcenter.org

• Lynnwood Senior Center, 425-670- 5050, www.playlynnwood.com, click on "Senior Messenger."

• Enumclaw Senior Activity Center, 360-825-4741, www. cityofenumclaw.net/177/seniorcenter

• Stillaguamish Senior Center, 360- 653-4551, www.stillycenter.org

• Buckley Senior Activity Center, 360-829-0190, www.cityofbuckley. com/seniorcenter

Don’t live near any of the current Aging Mastery Programs? The program may be coming soon to a senior center near you.