WS Chronicle

By Evelyn Smith

Many older adults are concerned about their health these days, not only due to COVID-19, also because many of them are affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or arthritis. Eighty percent of adults age 65 or older have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 70% have two or more conditions. As the worst of COVID-19 was upon us, many healthy activities individuals participated in, such as going to a gym or community center to exercise or socialize, were stopped or changed. 

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, some will return to previously enjoyed activities, while others are not comfortable doing so. One thing that has not changed is our need to manage our health. The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) Area Agency on Aging offers programs to help people learn tips and tools to manage their health and chronic conditions to live a healthier life.

Classes are offered at no cost to participants and are available in person, online, and by telephone, so individuals can participate as they feel comfortable. Programs are available in the community and throughout the week and some weekends.

Some of the interactive classes that are offered include: 

Living Healthy at Home: 6-week class that meets over the phone for one hour each week. Classes include information on healthy living, including eating better, exercise, managing emotions, and managing chronic conditions, and more.

Living Healthy Online: 6-week class held online once a week for 2 ½ hours each session. This course covers the same content as the Living Healthy at Home class (above) but allows time for more extensive coverage of each topic. Participants will need a computer and webcam. 

Diabetes Self-Management Program: meets for 2 ½ hours weekly for 6 weeks. Participants learn techniques to manage symptoms of diabetes, healthy eating, exercise, working effectively with healthcare providers, and more.

If you would like to join a class, set up a class for your group, or get more information, contact Evelyn Smith or MaryLou White at 336-904-0300 or email agewell@ptrc.org. 

Want to volunteer? You can be trained to become a facilitator for these health classes. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact: Evelyn Smith, 336-904-0300 or email esmith@ptrc.org.

PTRC’s Area Agency on Aging serves 12 counties: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Montgomery, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.

Evelyn Smith is the health promotion coordinator for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging