Healthy Aging Program

Healthy Aging Program

Health Advocates’ Healthy Aging Program strives to help seniors remain healthy, active, and connected to their communities, both online and in person. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, so all our programs are offered free of charge. We offer a wide array of activities - some weekly and others on various dates throughout the year. For a list of upcoming activities and dates/times, please view the most recent monthly calendar or consult the Daily and Weekly email messages sent to active members.

Health Advocates for Older People employs a holistic approach to addressing the needs of our senior participants. We provide programming designed to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness activities offered throughout the city and online form the backbone of Health Advocates’ Healthy Aging Program.

Our exercise classes have achieved great success in helping seniors remain active. These classes, which are offered in-person and online, are designed to improve physical agility, flexibility, balance, circulation, and lead to a decrease in tension and stress. All with the goal of promoting strength, mobility, and an active life.

More than 300 seniors partake in our exercise classes each week which consist of eight diverse classes. Classes are taught by trained instructors who have established a strong rapport with seniors. The classes include:

  • Strengthen and Tone

  • Tai Chi

  • Reiki

  • Dance

  • Basic Exercise

  • Exercise for Arthritis Relief

  • Alexander Technique

  • Chair Yoga

Participating in these classes is a highly valued part of the lives of our participants. Keeping their joints moving alleviates arthritis, promotes heart health, and improves breathing and circulation. 

In addition to our exercise classes, regular presentations from health experts explore common issues faced by seniors including decreased hearing and vision, dental care, memory loss and forgetfulness, arthritis, foot care, diabetes, cancer, breathing problems, and most importantly the need for regular exercise and proper nutrition. Speakers representing a wide variety of fields regularly offer presentations and a forum to ask questions and address concerns.

Socialization

Healthy social interaction, engagement, and emotional stimulation minimize isolation, loneliness, and depression. Health Advocates recognizes this vital need among our senior participants and offers the following activities:

  • Saturday Movie Matinees

  • Ballroom Dancing

  • Organized visits to points of interest throughout New York City (museums, parks, events, etc.)

  • Mahjong, Bridge, Poker, and Rummikub game groups

  • Meet the Author book discussions

  • Seasonal holiday lunches and entertainment

  • Language learning workshops

  • Writing workshops

  • Harmonica classes

  • Pet Club

  • Volunteer opportunities in conjunction with Health Advocates’ weekly activities and daily administration.

Each month brings new and exciting developments offering a continual array of activities designed to keep seniors active and socially engaged. 

Technology Training

Older adults often find navigating the latest technology difficult. High school and college students as well as other young adults meet individually with seniors to address their technology needs. Seniors bring their cellphones, tablets, iPads, laptops, and questions to these appointments. Our volunteers teach them how to operate their devices and give them a confidence boost to adapt to our digital world.

Home Safety and Fall Prevention

Knowing that falls and accidents at home can have a major impact on an elder’s mobility and ability to remain vital and independent, Health Advocates maintains a steady focus on fall prevention through:

  • Home Safety Assessments conducted by our Home Safety and Fall Prevention Coordinator,

  • Presentations on Living Comfortably and Safely at Home,

  • Training on downsizing as an aspect of aging,

  • Donation of assistive and geriatric equipment and supplies.

Participants are encouraged to have a home safety assessment to learn how to avoid dangers within their home, and to offer suggestions on ways to make their home safer and easier to navigate. By making minor adjustments such as decluttering, rearranging furniture, safe bathroom design, and kitchen organization, seniors can remain in their homes safely for as long as possible.

To arrange for a Home Safety Assessment, call Josh Krasner, Home Safety and Fall Prevention Coordinator, at 212-980-1700.