Woonsocket Senior Services:Helping Senior Citizens

Maintain their Independence

Student Presenter:

Erin Campopiano

Senior Wellness Program Educates senior citizens on the importance of

making healthy life choices through:

Interactive lectures on topics relevant to elder health (diabetes, arthritis, summer safety, osteoporosis, etc.)

Blood pressure and blood glucose screenings

Exercise classes teaching seniors simple, fun stretches and movements which improve strength and balance

-provide reading materials for home use-resistance training

Goals of the Wellness Program

Increase the independence and life expectancy of elderly people living in Northern Rhode Island

Reach out to senior citizens in a variety of locations- Senior centers- Independent living communities

Educate elders living safely their homes so that they may to continue to do so for as long as possible

- Strengthening exercises - Fall prevention (balance)- Medication information - Nutrition

Wellness Events: Statistics

Blood glucose levels compared before and after participation in exercise portion*:

-163 mg/ dL 102 mg/ dL (61 mg/ dL ) -269 mg/ dL 243 mg/ dL (26 mg/ dL )

*Emphasized the positive effects of physical activity

June, 2009– Average age attendee: 78– Total participants: 133

Wellness Events - June 2009Location Date of Event Number of Attendees Average Age of Attendee

The Meadows, North Smithfield

1-Jun 43 79

Thundermist Health Center, Woonsocket

(Spanish Support Group for Diabetes)

10-Jun 9 N/A

Lincoln Senior Center 12-Jun 11 76

Woonsocket Senior Center

18-Jun 9 79

Chateau Clare, Woonsocket

29-Jun 23 79

Woonsocket Senior Center

30-Jun 19 77

Chimney Hill, Woonsocket

22-Jun 28 78

Aside from the Wellness Program:

Reminiscent therapy Alternative Adult Care

- Mini mental assessments (follow up soon)- Socialization

Conferences and involvement in health care form and minority health- The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI- American Cancer Society

Thank you for this opportunity Northern RI AHEC and

Woonsocket Senior Services!