Program Spotlight

Health & Wellness

Senior Services Health & Wellness is a new program that launched in early 2023. It empowers community seniors and adults with adaptive needs to improve their health through fun classes, workshops and events that educate and inspire in the five core areas of wellness: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual and Social.

“We want to create opportunities to keep our seniors healthy and active to improve their quality of life,” says Celinda Joe, health & wellness program manager.

Celinda has been busy. She kicked off the program with a senior wellness expo in February 2023 and since added regularly scheduled programming including Yoga for Fall Prevention, Tai Chi, a Walking Club and a Senior Book Club. In addition, Health & Wellness offers a variety of fun, hands-on workshops such as making a fruit and veggie charcuterie board, prepping healthy meals and dance classes.

“The program has been growing fast so we’ve been blessed to have James Nunez join our team. He has been invaluable helping to facilitate the programs and even providing transportation,” said Celinda. “We are also fortunate to collaborate with Diabetes Prevention Services, Injury Prevention and the Salt River Tribal Library. They have been key to helping our program grow.”

The program also completed its first service project in December. Participants made cozy lap blankets and delivered them to the seniors at The Caring House in Gila River. They also sang Christmas carols to them in O’odham and shared some holiday treats.

“I am a key believer that giving of yourself promotes emotional, spiritual and psychological wellness. When you are serving others, you are not thinking of yourself,” said Celinda. “Helping others brings us joy too.”

Future Health & Wellness activities will emphasize other skills to enhance wellness and improve mental health, such as spending time outside, socializing, prioritizing exercise, keeping a gratitude journal, and discovering new hobbies and passions. In addition, participants are encouraged to explore their religious or traditional beliefs and to build a network of emotional support.

“Being well is about more than being physically healthy, it’s about building habits, routines and social circles that nourish mind, body and soul,” said Celinda. “Our Health & Wellness program provides information and opportunities to bring our community’s seniors and adults with adaptive needs together to socialize, to learn and to become stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

To learn more about Senior Services Health & Wellness events and activities, contact Celinda Joe at 480.876.7180 or celinda.joe@srpmic-nsn.gov.