National Wellness Month: Wellness & Nutrition Programs With The Senior Alliance

If you want to Live Your Way as you age, it is important to stay active, flexible, and keep your brain as sharp as possible. 

August is National Wellness Month, which celebrates healthy habits and encourages people to prioritize self-care, healthy eating, and regular exercise. It’s important to care for all aspects of your health—mind, body, and spirit. 

Studies show that chronic stress, poor nutrition, and social isolation can negatively impact your health and contribute to many chronic illnesses, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Whether you are dealing with caregiver burnout or want to improve your heart health, The Senior Alliance offers many health and wellness programs to support your mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being.   

The Senior Alliance Health and Wellness Programs

The Senior Alliance supports several evidence-based health and wellness programs and initiatives for individuals age 60 and over in the communities we serve. 

• Arthritis Exercise Program: This class focuses on low-impact exercises that can be done sitting or standing to help relieve stiffness or pain and build strength and stamina.
• Arthritis Tai Chi Program: Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. This program brings the graceful and flowing power of sunstyle tai chi to the community to reduce stress and increase mental and physical energy. 
• Enhance Fitness Program: This class focuses on functional fitness to stay strong, balanced, and flexible as you age. The classes incorporate stretching, flexibility, balance, low-impact aerobics, and strength training exercises that helps you to continue to do the daily activities of life that you normally would do. 
• Matter of Balance Program: This program teaches practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling in a group setting. Eight sessions in total, and each class lasts two hours. 
• National Diabetes Prevention Program: Learning to manage diabetes, or prevent it in the first place, can have a profound impact on your health. This program shows participants how lifestyle changes can reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. Participants work with a lifestyle coach in a group setting over a 12-month period.
• Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes: Changing diet and lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic disease. The PATH program helps individuals manage chronic conditions through a wide range of activities and skill-building exercises that include communicating with their medical provider, making better food choices, and increasing physical activity. This class is held over a six-week period, and each class lasts 2.5 hours.
• Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) Diabetes Class: This program helps people with type 2 diabetes learn how to better manage the disease through food choices, lifestyle changes, and physical activity. 

Visit our Health & Wellness page or calendar of events for the latest classes. 

Group Exercise, Nature Therapy

Group exercise classes such as SilverSneakers, swimming, pickleball, and gentle yoga can fulfill your need for socialization and physical activity. SilverSneakers is available at no cost for adults 65+ through select Medicare plans and now offers live online classes and workshops that can be done at home. 

If you prefer exercising on your own or outdoors, walking, swimming, and leisurely bike riding are other safe ways to exercise. Research also supports that nature therapy has a multitude of benefits:

• Helps with dementia
• Reduces pain
• Reduces stress
• Improves symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Helps with ADHD and PTSD
• Improves emotional well-being
• Improves focus and brain health
• Increases feelings of happiness

Golf is another safe activity that is great for older adults. August is also National Golf Month, and the Detroit area has a number of scenic and challenging public golf courses. 

There is still time to sign up for The Senior Alliance golf outing on September 23 to benefit The Senior Alliance’s programs and services. Register today! 

Make time for healthy habits, self-care

Many people overlook mental and emotional health, but it is as important as keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Reading, completing puzzles, or scheduling a weekly Euchre game with friends can keep your brain sharp and your social connections strong. 

People who live alone, or keep a busy schedule, maforget to eat enough fruits and vegetables or plan meals at home. Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to a host of chronic illnesses, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, mood disorders, metabolic syndrome, and neurological diseases.

 Here are some ways to start with small habits: 

• Have important vitamin levels checked
• Eat real, whole food as much as possible
• Eat the rainbow of foods
• Focus on protein and fiber-rich foods
• Monitor or reduce sodium intake
• Shop at local farmers markets
• Avoid sugary and processed foods 
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks and stay hydrated
• Supplement with vitamins or liquid nutrition as needed
• Create a healthy meal plan in advance 
• Throw out old or unsafe food 
• Limit alcohol and stop smoking

The Senior Alliance also offers many nutritional programs to help older adults and their caregivers address dietary concerns and access to healthy food. 

Looking for some inspiration for health cooking? Start with Healthy Aging Recipes from EatingWell Magazine.

If you are struggling with the demands of caregiving, The Senior Alliance’s Caregiving Haven offers tools, resources, and connections for caregivers. The Senior Alliance can help you access services and support for your loved one, so you don’t become ill or overwhelmed in the process. Join a caregiver support group. We have virtual and in-person options guided by professionals.  

Regular exercise, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits can go a long way in helping you Live Your Way. Visit thesenioralliance.org or call 734-722-2830 and speak with an Information & Assistance Specialist today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What health and wellness programs does The Senior Alliance offer for older adults?
   We provide a variety of evidence-based health and wellness programs designed to support healthy aging, including Arthritis Exercise, Tai Chi, Enhance Fitness, Matter of Balance, and PATH self-management classes. These programs focus on strength, flexibility, nutrition, and chronic disease management so older adults can continue thriving and living independently. 
2. How can caregivers benefit from The Senior Alliance’s wellness and nutrition programs?
   Caregivers are encouraged to join wellness classes alongside their loved ones or take part in caregiver support services. In addition, The Senior Alliance’s nutrition programs and Caregiving Haven offer tools to reduce stress, access healthy meals, and connect with caregiver support groups.
3. What simple steps can I take to start improving my health today?

   Small changes can make a big difference. Begin by adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, staying hydrated, and taking daily walks or joining a group activity like yoga or swimming. The Senior Alliance can help you find community classes, support groups, and resources to keep healthy habits sustainable.