The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO AGING
Preventative programs such as those offered at Tri-County Active Adult Center can help people age in a healthier manner.
Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you’re totally powerless to prevent some of its most highly anticipated perils. Partaking in one of the many preventative programs offered locally can help you take a proactive approach to aging so you are literally one step ahead of the game instead of being in a position where you have regrets for not acting sooner.
The Tri-County Active Adult Center in Pottstown, Montgomery County, is one place that offers a wide range of programs that address everything from fall prevention and arthritis to chronic disease and diabetes.
Provided by the county, the classes are taught by trained professionals.The mission of the Montgomery County Office of Senior Services is multi-faceted.
“The Montgomery County Office of Senior Services is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring services for county residents age 60 and older,” they state on their website. “As the area agency on aging, OSS is part of a state and national network of agencies established to aid older adults by offering a wide range of services.”
Their Community Program Development unit develops programs and partnerships aimed to serve the unmet needs of the senior population in Montgomery County.
“We also deliver evidence-based programs mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging,” they state. “These programs are for all seniors.”
The frequency of programs offered at the TriCounty Active Aging Center is based on interest and attendance. Their A Matter of Balance fall prevention, evidence-based program is one of their more popular offerings.
“It’s a mix of things,” said Brian Parkes, the Active Adult Center’s Executive Director. “It’s everything from exercises to changes you can make around your house, such as removing rugs and other trip hazards.”
Parkes emphasized the importance of fall prevention.
“Falls are major risk factors for older adults and are one of the leading causes of hospitalization,” he said.
A weekly email to members of the center informs them of upcoming classes. This summer they plan to launch their newest program called Tai Chi for Arthritis.
“I think Tai Chi for Arthritis is going to be popular,” Parkes said. “It’s really about helping them stay active in a way that is appropriate to their age and condition, and will ultimately improve their lifestyle and lives.”
Since the pandemic began, they haven’t fully reopened, and when they do, they hope to be able to return to their full range of offerings.
“Right now we are watching and waiting and really hoping it’s this summer,” he said. “We are watching the numbers to see the positivity rate and hospitalizations.”
Previous offerings that they hope to resume involved preventative screenings.
“We had people coming in to do health checks, testing balance and people’s blood sugar and blood pressure,” he said.
They also had a group that came in to go through individuals’ medications.
“They were looking for things that overlap if they are getting medications from different pharmacies,” Parkes said, adding their aim is to detect any harmful interactions. “We hope to bring that back when we are fully open.”
Preventative programming offered by Tri-County Active Adult Center is listed on calendar page of the center’s website, www. tricountyaac.org.