“Well Beyond 60!” Programs

The Ohio Department of Aging, through its HEALTHY U Ohio and STEADY U Ohio initiatives, supports a number of evidence-based educational programs to help you and your loved ones live a healthier and safer life, “Well Beyond 60!” These programs are coordinated in your community by partner organizations dedicated to improving the health and wellness of older Ohioans.

Learn more about each program and find a session starting near you in the calendar below. While we strive to provide as comprehensive a list as possible, this calendar should not be considered all-inclusive. Visit http://aging.ohio.gov/WellBeyond60 or contact your area agency on aging (Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, 925 Euclid Avenue/#600, Cleveland, OH 44115, 1-800-626-7277, www.psa10a.org) to learn about all the opportunities available in your community.

HEALTHY U: Chronic Disease is a small group program that helps adults of any age gain confidence in their ability to manage symptoms and understand how their health problems affect their lives.

HEALTHY U: Chronic Pain helps participants who live with back pain, nerve pain, fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain to improve their confidence in managing their symptoms and daily activities.

HEALTHY U: Diabetes builds on the successful structure of HEALTHY U: Chronic Disease, but is tailored specifically for adults living with type 2 diabetes.

HEALTHY U: Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) was developed by the University of Illinois at Chicago and is an interactive program that provides participants with tools to better manage diabetes.

STEADY U: A Matter of Balance is an award-winning group program that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants meet in small groups in community settings once a week for eight weeks. They learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals, change their environment to reduce risk factors and exercise to increase strength and balance. Through group discussion, problem-solving activities, assertiveness training, exercise and skill building, participants are empowered to take simple steps to become more active without the fear of falling.

STEADY U: Tai Chi is a centuries-old, mind and body practice that involves fluid, whole-body movements that gently challenge and strengthen balance, mental focus, deep breathing and relaxation. It has been proven to improve balance and reduce falls and may have other health benefits as well. Tai Chi is available in many Ohio counties.