By Staff Reports
(Kauai)– The Agency on Elderly Affairs has scheduled another round of a popular workshop series for older adults titled “Better Choices, Better Health” (BCBH).
The workshop series aims to improve the health of older adults by empowering and teaching them how to better manage their chronic conditions and to work towards achieving personal health goals.
“Many Kaua’i kupuna have benefitted from this program since we started offering it four years ago,” said Executive on Aging Kealoha Takahashi. “I encourage everyone who would like to improve their health to sign up for the workshop.”
The six-week program will be held at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. starting on Feb. 19.
Participants must pre-register by Feb. 12, and also attend an orientation meeting scheduled on the same day.
The cost for all six sessions is $12 for seniors 60 years and older and their caregiver. It includes a book titled “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” and a relaxation CD.
If space is available, anyone younger than 60 years will be able to attend the workshops for a $40 fee.
Registration is limited to 16 participants and their caregivers. Scholarships are available.
To gain maximum benefit from the program, participants should plan on attending all six sessions.
Participants will meet in small groups of 12 to16 and make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve the challenges they encounter with skills and techniques learned in the workshop.
Among the topics that will be covered are:
- Techniques for dealing with fatigue, pain, stress, and emotional issues such as depression, anger, fear and frustration.
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance.
- Healthy eating.
- Appropriate use of medications.
- How to communicate effectively with family, friends and health care professionals.
The Better Choices Better Health workshop series is based on Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, which has been implemented nationally and internationally. The program does not conflict with existing health programs or treatments.
The workshop series is sponsored by the state Executive Office on Aging and the Agency on Elderly Affairs. It is one of two evidence-based programs being offered for seniors.
Guidance is provided by Kaua’i’s Healthy Aging Partnership, which includes the following organizations: Agape Health Services; Agency on Elderly Affairs; Department of Parks and Recreation; Dr. Arnulfo Diaz; Kaua’i Community College; Kaua’i District Health Office; and Kaua’i Economic Opportunity, Inc.
To pre-register for the BCBH workshops or to request an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, please contact Charlyn at 241-4470 at least seven calendar days before the event.
For more information, please visit the Agency on Elderly Affairs’ website, www.kauaiadrc.org, or call Charlyn.