Fun and Fabulous Activities to Improve Health Offered by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – Bingocize, Tai Chi for Health, and Walk With Ease are just a few fun, group health and wellness programs that the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services have to offer residents ages 60 years and above. These exciting evidence-based health and wellness programs have been evaluated through research and have demonstrated meaningful health benefits while providing older adults with the opportunity to socialize and have fun.

Participating in these programs will help seniors develop social connections, improve their mental and physical health, decrease the risk of falls, and manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Somerset County Certified Evidence-Based Health and Wellness Programs
The following programs provide participants with energy, empowerment, and the opportunity for engagement:

· Bingocize combines the game of bingo, exercise, and/or health education. The program meets for one hour per week for 20 weeks.

• Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is an online weight management program that uses evidence-based strategies to help participants achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The program meets for one hour per week for 16 weeks.

• Enhance Fitness is a low-cost, arthritis-friendly, evidence-based group exercise and falls-prevention program that is proven to support older adults at all levels of fitness with becoming more active, energized, and empowered. This program meets for one hour, two times per week for 16 weeks.

• Geri-Fit is a physical activity and chronic disease self-management support program that is designed for older adults. Participants use strength training exercises to rebuild muscle that has been lost through the aging process. This program meets for 45 minutes, two times per week for 12 weeks.

• Tai Chi for Health Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an enjoyable program that helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina. This program meets for one hour per week for 16 weeks.

• Walk With Ease is a walking program designed to help individuals, particularly those with arthritis or other joint-related issues, to improve their mobility and reduce pain. Developed by the Arthritis Foundation, this program focuses on three key components: walking, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Participants receive guidance on proper walking techniques, while gradually increasing their walking time and intensity for endurance. The program meets for one hour, three times per week for eight weeks.

Class sizes are limited, and registrations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To view a complete list of monthly senior wellness activities, click here.

Donations
As with all Older Americans Act programs, the county-operated senior wellness centers rely on donations to help support the programs and services that are offered to residents. These programs help keep aging adults well and remaining in their community.

Donations also reduce the potential for people to be placed on waiting lists and allow for expanding programming.

Volunteers Are Needed at the Senior Wellness Centers

The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services is seeking volunteer instructors, leaders, and support staff to lead evidence-based programs and other classes as well as help with daily tasks at the senior wellness centers. Training and certification are available.

Volunteerism provides meaning and purpose to one’s life and positively impacts the lives of others. Studies have shown that volunteers gain a sense of joy when giving their time and talents, establish strong ties with their community, develop new skills, and make valuable social and professional connections, according to the American Presidency Project.

To learn more about evidence-based programming or volunteering, contact Karen Z. Kowalski at 908-704-6346, or email kkowalski@co.somerset.nj.us.

About the Somerset County-operated Senior Wellness Centers
The six county-operated senior wellness centers, managed by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, allow people ages 60 years and above to participate in a variety of wellness and education programs for lifelong enrichment. The senior wellness centers also offer four healthy menu choices daily.

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