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 2009 LocationDate of EventNumber of AttendeesAverage Age of Attendee The Meadows, North Smithfield 1-Jun4379 Thundermist Health Center, Woonsocket (Spanish Support Group for Diabetes) 10-Jun9N/A Lincoln Senior Center 12-Jun1176 Woonsocket Senior Center 18-Jun979 Chateau Clare, Woonsocket 29-Jun2379 Woonsocket Senior Center 30-Jun1977 Chimney Hill, Woonsocket 22-Jun2878

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!