Aging Well Discussion Group

In the Aging Well program, you will take a class each month that will teach you how to navigate aging well by preparing for life before it happens. Each class combines evidence-informed materials, expert speakers, & group chat discussion, to help you conquer daily life and reinforce tips and practices. Each topic that has been handpicked and designed to give you the skills and tools you need to achieve measurable improvements in managing your health, remaining economically secure, and contributing actively to society.

The Aging Well Discussion Groups will take place monthly every first Wednesday from 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Aging Well 2024 Topics

• Aging Solo – Rescheduled for March 20, 2024

  • Living alone means different things to different people, and life experiences often determine how individuals cope with “Aging Solo”.Whether single, divorced, lost a life-long partner, or contemplating being alone in the later years of life, this class provides helpful information about the key steps to consider when planning to live independently, ways to remain active & connected, and strategies to reduce loneliness & isolation. Participants are provided a guided roadmap to successfully prepare for a safe, secure, and supported future.

• Estate Planning, Trusts/Wills & Advance Directives – February 7, 2024

  • This class will provide an understanding of the difference between a will and trust, and the key components of an advance care and estate plan. Learn about the necessary documents and tools to effectively manage your health care and financial decisions, the importance of your personal values about end-of-life planning as it relates to “The Five Wishes”.

    The Five Wishes – Conversations for Peace of Mind.  Learn effective communication strategies to make your wishes known to your loved ones and what really matters most to you for your future plans.  The “Five Wishes” booklet from Aging with Dignity will be provided to all participants as a guide, as our specialists walk through an in-depth overview to define each Wish.  Real-life case studies will be shared, providing a clear understanding of the key elements in this phase of advance planning.  A follow-up class is offered to take a deeper dive into the Wishes as it relates to each participant’s individual values and preferences. 

• Smart Money Management & Investments – March 6, 2024

  • Learn about best practices for managing your money and assets, investment strategies and other valuable information to help maintain “financial fitness” in your later years.  Financial stability is key as we age, and this class will cover the “31 flavors” of retirement income, turning your dollars into additional security, protecting what you have, and the key basics of smart money budgeting & management.

• Bone Health & Fall Prevention – April 3, 2024

  • Learn about key nutritional elements, supplementation, and lifestyle approaches to maintain healthy bones and overall wellness as we age. This class will also cover key exercises and movements to enhance coordination, balance, and endurance, with an emphasis on fall prevention and better functioning of daily activities. We will cover the risk factors for falls, and how most falls can be avoided by understanding the simple steps you can take to prevent falling and keep your home safe.

• BONUS CLASS: Side Hustles After Retirement – April 17, 2024
   
• Exercise, Yoga, & Fitness Programs – May 1, 2024

  • Learn from our functional movement and brain health specialists about the many benefits of maintaining your overall fitness to “age well”. You will learn about the various ways to achieve a quality, active lifestyle on a daily basis, while enhancing your memory cognition and overall brain health regardless of age and physical condition. An interactive class of “senior-friendly” Yoga techniques, Tai Chi, and body strengthening methods is also offered to help you improve and maintain flexibility, balance, and mental awareness and clarity.

• Healthy Sleep Habits as We Age – June 5, 2024

  • A good night’s sleep is vital for older adults to stay healthy, safe, and mentally alert.  Our specialists will address why sleep is so important to our overall health as we age, and the underlying causes of sleep problems.  Learn about the common symptoms of sleep disorders and how they can increase your risk of chronic disease, memory decline, lack of nutrition, and restorative cell repair.  We will discuss the use of natural sleep aids and the relationship between diet and sleep for healthy aging, and cover important tips and techniques to improve your daily habits for a better night’s sleep.

• Medication Management & Education – July 3, 2024

  • Our health care specialists will discuss the root causes and common types of medication errors, and recommended methods to prevent medication errors at home.Participants will be updated on medication adherence tools, how medications interact with one another and contra-indications, and how to reconcile your medication use across the continuum of care to prevent medication errors.We will review six key components to medication management: Evaluate, Discard, Update, Correct, Assess, Teach, Educate.

• Nutrition, Healthy Eating & Supplements – August 7, 2024

  • This class will cover the importance of nutrition as it relates to aging, what you need to know about dietary supplements, and the risks of malnutrition and dehydration.  You will learn why it’s much harder to eat well as we age, and simple guidelines and tips to incorporate healthy eating and good hydration into your daily routine.

• Pain Management & Alternative Treatments – September 4, 2024

  • This class will explore holistic wellness approaches and alternative treatments to Age Well.  Learn about complimentary health practices that emphasize the connection of mind and body to achieve overall well-being.  Our specialists will explore health therapies such as acupuncture, functional nutrition, hypnotherapy, and “mind” massage.

• Heart Health & After Stroke Planning – October 2, 2024

  • Learn from our health care specialists about taking care of your heart for longevity, nutrition, and healthy eating.Our specialists will cover risk factors and symptoms of heart disease and best recovery and rehabilitation practices after a heart attack & stroke.

• Community Engagement & Volunteering – November 6, 2024

  • This class will empower seniors with the knowledge and tools to become active and engaged members of their community through volunteering and its benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We will address how to overcome potential barriers to volunteering, and provide self-assessment tools to identify your interests, passions, and skills to find fulfilling opportunities. along with strategies to maintain commitment to community engagement over time. A practical guide to locating and connecting with volunteer organizations will be provided, along with strategies to maintain commitment to community engagement over time.

• Healthy Aging through Relationships & Social Connections - December 4, 2024

  • This program will include panel discussions and activities from SSG specialists on key topics to live an enjoyable, rewarding, and meaningful quality of life. Topics will include how to make peace with yourself and others, find Joy within, and “what living with grace” looks like for you. This class will cover ways to empower yourself by fostering greater levels of peace, letting go of disturbances, and maintain a positive mind frame as a way of being and relating to others.  We will discuss how to draw from our life experiences & perspectives to move through difficult times with relationships and how to change behaviors & develop more positive thinking and productive action to stay socially connected.

Click HERE to watch a short clip about the Foundation for Senior Services

Spots are limited! Please register now via your MyLACERS account or by sending an email to LacersWell@lacers.org.