One of the reasons the Area Agency on Aging chose “Helping You Age Better” as our motto is the fact that aging is everyone’s business.

Simply stated, aging is a part of life, and our Agency strives to help our community have a positive aging experience. One of the ways we can do this is by promoting activities and initiatives that support wellness and healthy living.

Recently, our Agency sponsored a successful training program for community leaders to support our Healthy Lifestyles program in their community.

We were so pleased with the turnout and excited that these important classes will have the opportunity to grow in our communities.

These Stanford University-developed Chronic Disease Self-Management classes help those individuals who are dealing with chronic diseases such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes or other conditions, gain confidence and new skills to manage the condition.

At present, classes are available through community lay leaders in the following counties: Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike and Ross. Anyone with a chronic disease, those who are caring for someone with a chronic disease, or anyone who would like to learn more, are encouraged to participate.

The free program consistently results in individuals having more energy, being more physically active, and having an overall improvement in their health and emotional well-being.

For those interested in Adams, Brown, Scioto and Vinton Counties, please call our Agency for more information about future classes or for your interest in the program. Interested individuals should call the Area Agency on Aging District 7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277, extension 215 or 254.

Another positive event our Agency looks forward to each year is our Annual Senior Citizens Art Show and Poetry/Essay Contest. This year’s event will take place May 14th through May 18th and May 21st through May 25th.

During this time, the artwork of many talented individuals age 55 and older who reside in our ten-county district will be on display at the Esther Allen Greer Museum and Gallery on the campus of the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio. There is still plenty of time to enter your artwork or poetries/essays.

Applications are available on our website at www.aaa7.org. Click on the “AAA7 Information” link. Once here, click on the “Special Events” link and then the “Art Show and Poetry/Essay Contest.”

You can also call our Agency at 1-800-582-7277 if you would like the information mailed to you. Artwork must be delivered to your local Senior Center by April 16, 2012, or to our Administrative Offices in Rio Grande by April 23, 2012.

Continue to support your health and well-being by participating in our Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes or by participating in our Annual Art Show.

We are happy to be a part of initiatives that support health and well-being for our communities.

 

Pamela K. Matura is executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7. The non-profit agency serves senior citizens in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.