National Aging Mastery Program coming to region

It's no secret that people are living longer. With that, comes new realities to deal with -- from managing health to working toward financial stability. A new program aims to change that for millions of older adults.

Through support from The Patterson Foundation, three Suncoast-area agencies will begin offering the Aging Mastery Program®, a nationwide initiative of the National Council on Aging designed to improve the wellbeing of older adults in our region and in communities across the country. This is the first time the program is being offered in Florida.

The Aging Mastery Program®, which will be offered through the Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9^th in Bradenton, The Friendship Centers in Sarasota and Venice, and Aging in Paradise Resource Center on Longboat Key, features an engaging, 10-week health and wellbeing curriculum for older adults in our community. There is a fee to participate and class size is limited per location.

“Our region is at the forefront of shifting demographics happening all over the country and world,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “These three agencies are collaborating to deliver a proven program to engage older adults in their personal thrivability.”

The goal of the program is to empower older adults to make and maintain small but impactful lifestyle changes. The program addresses the realities of aging, such as navigating longer lives, physical activity, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, medication management, healthy relationships, community engagement and more. The core curriculum will be guided by educational material developed by the National Council on Aging and its partners. Participants will earn incentives for positive actions taken during the program.

The Aging Mastery Program® will be offered on a staggered schedule during 2015 and 2016. There is a fee to participate and class size is limited per location.

For more information, contact:

Aging in Paradise Resource Center (Longboat Key)

941-383-6493 | AginginParadise.org

Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9^th  (Bradenton)

941-749-0100 | MealsonWheelsPlus.org

The Friendship Centers (Sarasota and Venice)

941-556-3236 | FriendshipCenters.org