Programs proven to improve health and total wellness.
By Carey Skelton MS MPH RDN CDN/ Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator
It is understood that both disease prevention and health promotion programs reduce the need for more costly medical interventions. In 1987, Health Promotion programs were added to the Older American Act (OAA) to support healthy lifestyles and promote total wellness among older adults (60+).
What is total wellness? The National Wellness Institute promotes 6 dimensions of wellness including emotional, occupational, social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical. Most of us focus on a single dimension of wellness when we think of our health – the physical dimension. This is what we eat, how we exercise, when we manage chronic disease states in partnership with our physicians. All these are important, but when we focus on the physical body alone, we are neglecting our total wellness. For example, a person with a focus on emotional wellness has awareness of and the capacity to manage one’s feelings with an optimistic approach to life. A person with a focus on social wellness develops a sense of connection and belonging as well as maintains healthy relationships. A person with a focus on occupational wellness finds personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s work or volunteerism. A person with a focus on intellectual wellness nurtures opportunities to expand knowledge and creativity. And a person with a focus on spiritual wellness finds meaning and purpose in life.
What is an Evidenced-Based Program (EBP)? Evidenced-Based Programs (EBP) are based on scientific evidence and have been tested for their effectiveness in reducing disease, and improving health and total wellness. The EBP programs specifically approved for use in OAA funded agencies are designed for the older adult population.
How can Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services use OAA EBP’s to help our community of older adults achieve total wellness? It is our goal to build the Health Promotions programs that were added in 1987 in a way that offers our older adult community access to a variety of EBPs in which encompass all 6 dimensions of total wellness. For example, we currently partner with Prevention Works to offer the evidence-based program W.I.S.E or Wellness Initiative for Senior Education. The WISE program is a 6-week series of classes starting January 27th in Jamestown, NY with topics including understanding changes associated with aging and medication management. A wonderful EBP focused on the physical and intellectual dimensions. And by coming to group classes, addresses the social dimension as well. Sign up today, there is still space!
Another EBP we offer is Powerful Tools for Caregivers in partnership with Alzheimers Association. This program will be offered 3 times in 2025 in our north, south, and mid county regions. This EBP is focused on emotional wellness and intellectual wellness by helping caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative. Again, this group learning environment addresses the social dimension of wellness.
We have plans to gradually increase the number and variety of EBPs offered throughout Chautauqua County in 2025 and into 2026. How will you hear about these programs? Sign up for our communication system, if you are not already registered. We send messages about the current programs you may be interested in through your preferred communication method: text, email, or a robo-call. If you are not already receiving these messages, just call us at our NY Connects line 716-753-4582.
By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, you will be well on your way towards achieving optimal wellness. We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services offers Nutrition & Wellness programs to support you in your journey toward total wellness. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for more details and information about any of these Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.
SNAP-Ed materials are funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Some of these materials have been funded in whole or in part by grants from the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and/ or the Administration on Aging (AOA) and/ or Administration for Community Living (ACL). Nothing herein is intended, nor should be construed, as an endorsement by the State of New York.
