2 minute read

Active Aging Programs

from The Courier - August 2023

by Diocese of Winona-Rochester

from The Courier - August 2023, page 7

Boundary Waters and Pilgrimages

Connecting People with Opportunities to Thrive

Christi Reynard Director of Communications Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

By SUE DEGALLIER

ust as the name implies, older adults in the communities served by Catholic Charities are finding ways to be active and strong, despite unpredictable health concerns. In Winona, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston Olmsted, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Watonwan, Dodge, Freeborn, Mower, Rice Steele and Waseca counties of Southern Minnesota, Active Aging Programs facilitates AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and maintains a robust schedule of evidence-based health and wellness programs.

AmeriCorps Seniors Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a national, federally funded program, implemented by Active Aging Programs. AmeriCorps Seniors connects individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. Adults 55+ are matched to needs in their own community, aligning their time, interest, experience and skill set. RSVP volunteers receive ongoing support, supplemental insurance and optional mileage reimbursement along with social connection and a sense of purpose. Our volunteers can be seen delivering meals, acting as a pen pal with kids, providing rides to medical appointments, offering respite for caregivers, building homes, and stocking food shelves. In the past year, Active Aging Programs partnered with over 100 organizations to support 1,165 volunteers. Those volunteers served just over 130,000 hours, which is an average of 111 hours per volunteer!

Another arm of Active Aging Programs is the facilitation of several evidence-based exercise and self-management classes. Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) are exercise programs incorporating strength, balance and flexibility for older adults. Classes are led by trained volunteers, supported through AmeriCorps Seniors. One of the best parts of these classes is that they are free to attend and all equipment is provided for participants. Countless testimonials from class members speak to improvements in balance and energy levels, a positive impact on other health concerns, and the delight in the social interaction offered by attending class. Currently there are 40 SAIL classes and 10 AFEP classes running weekly. In addition to these exercise programs, we also offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Living Well with Chronic Pain workshops. Check the Catholic Charities website to find information on locations and times.

How do you get involved? Start by visiting the Catholic Charities website to discover more about Active Aging, then contact the staff person covering your county. They will gladly help you find a meaningful volunteer opportunity or point you to an exercise class near you. All of our partnering organizations are in need of more volunteers, whether you can offer one hour a week or more. Find yourself with smiles like those pictured here; join Active Aging Programs today!