Catholic Charities Active Aging Programs: Supporting Healthy Aging

By SUE DEGALLIER

Just as the name implies, older adults in the communities served by Catholic Charities are finding ways to be active and strong, despite unpredictable health concerns. In Winona, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston Olmsted, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Watonwan, Dodge, Freeborn, Mower, Rice Steele and Waseca counties of Southern Minnesota, Active Aging Programs facilitates AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and maintains a robust schedule of evidencebased health and wellness programs.

Through Active Aging Health and Wellness Programs, older adults in the counties listed above can access a number of free, evidence-based classes. Evidenced-based programs are those that have been tested through clinical trials with the results published in peer-reviewed journals. In other words, they’ve been proven to work and follow a specific order to ensure they continue to work in the same way.

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) is a program proven to prevent falls through providing exercises that improve strength and balance along with educational information. This hourlong class is fun, able to adapt to any level of exercise and supports social interaction. Participants use ankle and hand weights, which are provided for use by Active Aging Programs.

Another free exercise program option is the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. This class is a little less strenuous than SAIL, only 45 minutes in length, and concentrates on range of motion activities to strengthen joints. Participants use hand weights and stretch bands along with some other fun items to help stay fit and keep joints active.

Living Well with Chronic Pain is a six-week group workshop designed to help individuals living with chronic pain better manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. It does not rely on medical advice but on learning self-management with proven techniques. The information presented helps participants build a toolbox of techniques to use when managing their condition.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a loved one who has a chronic illness. Whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, parent or friend; at home or in a care facility; whether down the block or miles away, yours is an important role. The PTC program provides tools and strategies to better handle the unique challenges caregivers face.

One of the ways Active Aging Programs is able to continue offering this suite of wellness programs is by training and supporting volunteers to facilitate the classes. Currently, we have nearly 200 volunteers who keep all of the above classes running. Our staff is there to ensure all supplies are taken care of, leaders are presenting the programs with skill and integrity, and taking care of all the tasks behind the scenes.

Are you interested in any of these wellness classes? Just check out the Catholic Charities of Southern MN website www.ccsomn.org to find locations and times near you. Don’t see a class being offered near enough to where you live? Let us know and we will work to offer one! The need for trained volunteers throughout the diocese is great. If you have an interest in health and wellness and want more information about what it would be like to lead one the classes mentioned, please contact Active Aging Programs Director Sue Degallier at 507-454-2270. She would love an opportunity to talk to you about joining our crew. All training and support is provided to you free of charge. Help us keep older adults active and aging well!

Sue Degallier is the Director of Active Aging Programs Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota