The Healthy Aging Program Activities
Home Safety Initiative

Home Safety Assessments.  An individual’s home environment is assessed for the ability to enable safe, independent living.  Seniors are referred for assessments by a wide range of organizations, including churches, non-profit agencies, hospitals, short-term care institutions, etc.  Assessments are done by a staff member accompanied by a volunteer, all of whom have had technical training.  Recommendation are made and actions taken to help assure the senior will be able continue to live safely in his/her apartment.  This may include the provision and installation of minor equipment (grab bars, bathing aids, etc.), reorganization of apartment contents, modification of layout, etc.

Wellness classes

Weekly Tai-chi.
2 Arthritis exercises in two different locations and 1 arthritis exercise class with weights.

6 week session of Alexander Technique.

25 one hour sessions of Reiki, a gentle, hand-on healing method.

Chair Yoga weekly classes extended to second location.

Weekly exercise class will be added April and May funded by the Arthritis Foundation

Tai Chi hourly sessions held weekly.

Educational presentations
Weekly computer classes.
Weekly health seminars given by New York Junior League volunteers in conjunction with Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Presentation by the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity.
Twice yearly/3 session on nutrition and healthy eating.

NYU School of Dentistry lectures on importance of oral hygiene.

NYPD, 19th precinct lectures “Safety for Seniors During the Holidays” and “Identity Theft.”

New York Junior League, in collaboration with Mr. Sinai Hospital, presents twice a month wellness seminars, such as bone health; diabetes; nutrition.

“Options for Seniors” housing in New York City, attended by 120 seniors.

Jr. League Financial Literacy Committee seminars & lunch to discuss bank & credit card fees, identity theft, working with a financial advisor.

Intellectual stimulation, exercise, wellness, and social activity programs

Ballroom Dancing sessions and lessons weekly.

Travelogues with guest speakers and slides.

Twice weekly movie matinees.

Meet the Author book discussions – ten (10) annual presentations.

Dramatic presentations.

Seasonal Holiday luncheons with entertainment are presented four times a year.

Planning initiatives.  Health Advocates has found that during a healthcare crisis many program participants are not prepared to have their preferences known and needs met. The Healthy Aging Program provides materials to help plan for these situations; staff and volunteers explain and help with their completion as/if needed.

In Case of Emergency (I.C.E) Packs Health Advocates, after consulting EMS and the New York City Police Department,  has produced, a wallet-sized card in a Tyvek packet, that records essential information needed in case of on-the-street emergencies.  A unique feature, developed in collaboration with Not Home Alone, (an educational initiative sponsored by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals) is the inclusion of information about a senior’s pet.  In addition to providing I.C.E packets to Healthy Aging Program participants, Health Advocates will distribute them to churches and community organizations; Not Home Alone will reach their constituents, such as veterinarians and animal shelters.   Additionally, this wide distribution will provide publicity for Health Advocates and the Healthy Aging Program.

Personal Data Organizer (“My Book”) This is a tool to record and centralize vital personal information that can be used in both routine and emergency situations. This makes it easier to provide information when needed, and gives family members a resource to use in an emergency.

Access-a-ride. Regulations require individuals to submit an application, and passport-sized photos for an eventual identification card; Health Advocates takes and provides photos.

Referral Services.   Information is provided to seniors interested and in need of case management, bill paying and housecleaning services and are referred to community partners for assistance.