First in Florida to offer Aging Mastery Program®

Some months ago, The Patterson Foundation and the National Council on Aging (NCOA), both longstanding partners, began discussing NCOA’s new Aging Mastery Program®, a national engagement program offered at 120 locations across the country that enhances individuals’ well-being and longevity.

The Patterson Foundation identified and invited three agencies to be the first to offer this program in Florida. The Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th in Bradenton, the Friendship Centers in Sarasota, and the Aging in Paradise Resource Center on Longboat Key came together to plan the rollout of this program in our region.

With support from The Patterson Foundation and NOCA, all three organizations are working together to contribute thoughts and experiences benefiting the long-term sustainability of the Aging Mastery Program® locally and nationally.

The program begins in Bradenton and Sarasota

This month marks the culmination of collaborative thought, planning, training, and preparation. The Aging Mastery Program® will be offered initially by the Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9^th in Bradenton and the Friendship Centers in Sarasota.

This 10-week self-paced program supports participants as they learn how to enhance longevity, well-being, and aging well. Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past 50 years, yet many people

are generally unprepared for longer lives. The Aging Mastery Program® guides individuals through this phase of life, providing skills and tools to manage one’s health, remain economically secure, and contribute actively in society.

The Friendship Centers will begin offering the Aging Mastery Program® on Oct. 6 at their Center in Sarasota. Participants will be empowered to create their own personal pathways for aging well. The program will be offered in Venice in January.

The Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9^th  is launching the program during the last week of this month to a selected group of Center “champions” who will be learning, growing and providing valuable feedback about the program to hone and fine tune for the next and future programs.

In January 2016 the program will be available at the Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9^th in Bradenton, Friendship Centers in Venice, and Aging in Paradise Resource Center in Longboat Key.

A program designed for navigating life as you age well

NCOA's evidence-informed curriculum is designed to help people navigate the process of aging well by making modest and sustainable lifestyle changes because making even small changes to one’s lifestyle can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Topics will include navigating longer lives, exercise, healthy eating and hydration, sleep, medication management, financial fitness, advance planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention, and community engagement. Area professionals and community experts will present information at many of the sessions.

It is exciting to see the emergence of the Aging Mastery Program® - the culmination of individuals and organizations working together to bring better ideas, greater synergy, and more powerful results by working together collaboratively.

To contact Deborah: dgauvreau@thepattersonfoundation.org

Join Deborah on Twitter: @DeborahGauvreau