Prevention and wellness programs are cost-effective methods of maintaining independence for older persons and reducing the use of health and long-term care system services. As longevity continues to increase and we witness growth in the number of people aged 85 and over, (those most vulnerable to social, physical, emotional, and mental frailty), the OFA is able to provide evidence-based health promotion programming to help maintain their independence. OFA works with the Oswego County Health Department and others to provide the following programs: 

Stepping On
Stepping On is a program that has been researched and proven to reduce falls in older people. It consists of a workshop that meets for two hours a week for seven (7) weeks. Workshops are led by a health professional and a peer leader – someone who, just like you, is concerned about falls. In addition, local guest experts provide information on exercise, vision, safety, and medications.
Stepping On Brochure
Stepping On workshops utilize the curriculum developed at Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a FREE 6 week virtual class held once a week to assist caregivers with emotional management, self-confidence, reduce stress and increase knowledge of community resources. This course is in collaboration with Iowa University.  For more information on upcoming classes, please contact Office for the Aging at 315-349-3570.

Walk with Ease
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease Program is a community-based physical activity and self-management education program. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. The program includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health. Our group sessions meet three times per week for 6 weeks.  Trained group exercise leaders begin each session with a pre-walk discussion covering a specified topic related to exercise and arthritis, followed by a 10- to 40-minute walk that includes a warm-up and a cool-down.  Comprehensive studies demonstrate that Walk With Ease reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves your overall health. The program will help motivate you to get in great shape and allow you to walk safely and comfortably.

Living Healthy Workshops: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Living Healthy workshops help you development the skills you need to manage your condition and get your life back. It consists of a workshop which meets for two and a half hours a week for six weeks. At the end of the program you should see an increase in your energy and get relief from pain, fatigue and difficult emotions. Gives you the opportunity to learn from others who have similar health issues.

Living Healthy workshops utilize the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program curriculum developed at Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB)
This is a 24-week balance program presented by the Oswego County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The program transforms martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function. It offers a “yin-yang” style of prevention by combining states of instability with stability for equilibrium training. Contact RSVP for more information.

 For more information on up coming programs, E-mail the Office for the Aging.