Studies show that Americans live longer and are healthier later in life than previous generations.
Pima Council on Aging(PCOA), a local resource that helps older adults maintain independence and health, has scheduled the Aging Mastery Program to help teach people aged 55 and above how to enhance their lives. The 10-week series of classes starts Sept. 10.
Created by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the program is for those seeking guidance navigating upcoming life changes — from employment to retirement, from middle age to older age.
The series is a comprehensive, fun, and engaging education and behavior change approach that celebrates the gift of longevity. The philosophy is that modest lifestyle changes can produce impactful results, and people can be empowered to cultivate health and longevity.
A nationwide program, PCOA was hand-picked to offer this innovative curriculum for the national organization.
The core mission of the program is to help people enjoy meaningful lives, master the art of aging, and prepare for the gift of a longer life.
Each class features a different topic:
- Navigating Longer Lives
- Exercise and You
- Sleep
- Financial Fitness
- Advance Planning
- Healthy Relationships
- Healthy Eating and Hydration
- Medication Management
- Falls Prevention
- Community Engagement
Local Tucson experts will join Karen Fogas, PCOA’s healthy living program director, to discuss research-backed ways to develop skills to make smarter wellness choices while learning innovative approaches to staying healthier longer, leading to an extension of healthy years at any age.
Fogas directs the local series and says participants “love” the program.
“They want to learn more, stay engaged and connected with friends they have made,” she said.
This in-person classroom experience emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction.
Upon completing the program, participants will have set goals for positive actions within the class topics.
The program aims to change societal expectations about the roles and responsibilities of older adults over time and create fun and easy-to-follow pathways for getting more out of life — at any age.
NCOA reports results have shown that program participants significantly increased their:
- Social connectedness
- Physical activity levels
- Healthy eating habits
- Use of advanced planning
- Participation in evidence-based programs
- Adoption of several other healthy behaviors
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