AGING MASTERY PROGRAM WORKSHOPS

NEW! IN PERSON!

This workshop focuses on 10 topics with various speakers, including:

• The Basics of Aging Mastery

• Exercise and You

• Sleep

• Healthy Eating and Hydration

• Financial Fitness

• Advance Planning

• Healthy Relationships

• Medication Management

• Falls Prevention

• Community Engagement

July 17-September 25, 2022

Mondays at 10 am (60-90 minute classes)

10 Weeks

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Call front desk receptionist at 229-432-0994 to register.

No classes Monday, September 4 (Labor Day).

SENIOR STROLL Walking Sites for Seniors

Below are recommended local walking sites within each county. Seniors are encouraged to start their own weekly walking groups.

Baker- Senior Center Parking Lot

Calhoun- Track by Health Department in Morgan

Colquitt- Tom White Walking Trail

Decatur- Boat Basin Track

Dougherty- River Front Park or Tift Park

Early- Blakely Senior Center

Grady- Davis Park

Lee- Cheshire Park Trail

Miller- Downtown Colquitt Courthouse

Mitchell- Mitchell Co Stadium in Camilla

Seminole- Track by Seminole Co Elementary

Terrell- First Baptist Church of Dawson

Thomas- Cherokee Lake Park

Worth- Poulan City Park

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION/SENIOR HUNGER COALITION

Thursday, August 17– 9:00 am (Virtual)

The Senior Hunger Coalition is an initiative that brings southwest Georgia area businesses together around the shared goal of combating senior hunger. Through innovative programming and partnerships, The Senior Hunger Coalition hopes to ensure that all clients are food secure and expands that commitment to serve all older adults within our community.

If you, a business, or other organization would like to get involved in our Senior Hunger Coalition, please join us! Those interested in joining via Zoom may contact us for the link. Contact Temeca Miller at temeca.miller@sowegacoa.org or 229-432-1124.

Southwest Georgia Public Hearing

October 24 – Regional Resource Center 10:00 am (In Person)

The SCOA Public hearing seeks to bring together seniors, advocates, volunteers, and community members to share information and discuss critical issues affecting seniors. Be a part of this important event, where your insights will help identify gaps and redundancies in senior services and shape our advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!

FREE NUTRITION EDUCATION CLASSES In Person & Virtual Class

July 26, August 23, September 27 – 11 am (Virtual)

July 11, August 1, September 5– 10:30 am (In Person, The Cross Church in Camilla)

*Class rescheduled from July 4 to July 11 at The Cross Church

These virtual group classes are taught by a Registered Dietitian from Open Hand Atlanta. Each session includes interactive discussions, group activities, recipes, and games. Learn how to plan healthy meals, build a strong immune system, incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet, and overall become overall a healthier person. The Open Hand Atlanta Dietitian will also offer FREE one-on-one nutrition education for individuals and customized nutrition coaching. All participants must pre-register to attend these classes by calling (800) 282-6612.

Dealing With Dementia Workshop

October 12 – 9 am to 1 pm

First Methodist, Albany

Pre-registration is required. This free workshop is hosted by the Alzheimer Outreach Center and is for those caring for someone with dementia. Learn how to manage problem behaviors and how to relieve stress and find time for you.

To reserve your spot email Nancy Goode, nancygoode@bellsouth.net or call (229) 432-2705

Dementia Family Support Group

In Albany: 1st Wednesday of each month, 229 N. Jackson St, Albany, Georgia

Support group for families and caregivers of persons with dementia, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Outreach Center. Lunch is provided. For more information call: 229-4322705.

“A BETTER WAY GROCERS” MOBILE GROCERY TRUCK

July 27, August 24, September 28 from 10 am – noon

Sowega Council on Aging’s Regional Resource Center

A Better Way Grocers makes it convenient and easy to buy fruits and vegetables! They match SNAP EBT dollars – that means twice the fruits and veggies.

CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

July 18 – August 22 (Every Tuesday from 9:30 am – noon)

Sowega Council on Aging’s Regional Resource Center

This is a 6-week workshop that meets once a week for 6 weeks. Family members, friends and caregivers may also participate in the program. The program provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems. In these classes, individuals learn coping strategies such as action planning and feedback, problem-solving techniques, and decision making, applicable to all chronic diseases. The CDSMP program gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. Please call the front desk at 229-432-0994 to register.

Aarp Smart Driver Course

Albany – SCOA Regional Resource Center

* Pre-registration is required for these classes

• July 11 & 12, 9 am – noon (must attend both days)

$20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member

Call Janice Burgess, (229) 436-0820 for details or to register

• August 8 & 9, 9 am – noon (must attend both days)

$20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member

Call Kimberly Knighton, (229) 291-3564 for details or to register

• September 12 & 13, 9 am – non (must attend both days)

$20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member

Call Donna Dowling (229) 886-0130 for details or to register

Georgia Legal Services

July 18, August 15, September 19, 9 am to noon

Sowega Council on Aging’s Regional Resource Center

Representatives will be on site to assist with SNAP applications, forms, legal documents and more.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

September 12 - October 17 (Every Tuesday from 10 am – 12:30 pm)

First Methodist Church, 453 E. Main St., Colquitt, GA.

This is a six-week group workshop for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. The workshop was developed by Stanford University to help individuals manage their diabetes symptoms, tiredness, pain, and emotional issues. The interactive workshop meets for 2.5 hours each week and is taught by two trained instructors, at least one of whom has diabetes. Concepts include: how to manage diabetes symptoms, information on physical activity, healthy eating practices, following medication plans, and how to work effectively with healthcare professionals. Please call Sheila Freeman at 229-726-0089 to register.

SUMMER REOURCE FAIRS & GEORGIA SENIOR FARMERS MARKETS

• Friday, July 7 | First Assembly of God Church, 495 12th Ave., NE, Cairo, GA

• Wednesday, July 12 | Scott Senior Center, 611 N. Stevens St., Thomasville, GA*

• Tuesday, July 18 | Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church, 319 E. Grow St., Colquitt, GA

• Friday, July 21 | SCOA Regional Resource Center, 335 W. Society Ave., Albany, GA

• Wednesday, July 26 | St. John’s Episcopal Church, 516 E. Broughton St., Bainbridge, GA*

• Friday, July 28 | The Cross Church, 647 GA-3, Camilla, GA

Seniors and caretakers are invited to attend these regional events to gather resources and information to help them live better lives. Aging network providers from all over Georgia will be available to connect you to resources and answer your questions. Vendors will have information pertaining to health, beauty, being active, housing, legal aid, and more.

The Regional Senior Resource Fairs will include the Georgia Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This federally funded program offers fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible participants 60+ years of age at approved market sites each year. Senior Farmer’s Market participants will also receive nutrition and health education on the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Call 800-282-6612 to find out where your closest market will be held.