Spotlighting programs that keep older adults healthy

With CVS/pharmacy, we sponsor the annual Prescription for Better Health Award to highlight senior center programming that promotes a healthy lifestyle for older adults.

See the 2009 winners.
See the 2008 winners.

2009 Winners

• Traverse City Senior Center (Traverse City, MI)
  "The Amazing Race" is a 16-week course designed to empower seniors to make healthy lifestyle choices while also encouraging them to take advantage of resources in their hometown. Each week, seniors are given a "challenge" at a local business or agency that relates to wellness or healthy living, such as bowling, miniature golfing, and mall walking. For the less active participants, there is a "detour" that includes activities like having their blood pressure taken and calculating the number of calories in a certain food.
• Capital Senior Center (Columbia, SC)
  The "Palmetto Health (PH) Lifestyle University" program is a three-month course designed to empower seniors to overcome barriers to stay physically fit and socially engaged. The course consists of various types of education and group discussion-such as hypertension and other chronic diseases-tips from a local doctor on reducing stress, healthy eating, and introduction to physical activity. Additionally, participants are encouraged to become instructors or "Community Health Advisors" and work with the coordinator on conducting the program.
• East Providence Senior Activity Center (East Providence, RI)
  The "Nutrition Weight Loss" program includes weigh-ins, lectures, and the ability to eat regular food. A key component to the program is the empowerment of participants in designing the lecture series. At the end of the program, seniors receive impact evaluations, collective net weight loss for the group, and a satisfaction survey.  
• Friendship Circle Senior Center (Darby, PA)
  The "Passport to Health" program is a customized, collaborative, evidence-based program encouraging older adults to increase their daily activity, gain valuable knowledge about nutrition, and live a healthier lifestyle. In keeping with the "passport" theme, during the 13-week semester-long program, participants take an imaginary trip to historical sites across the United States.  Along the way, these older adults "earn miles" that can be redeemed for prizes as they attend health education lectures (fuel stops) or engage in physical activities (tune ups).  
• Newton Senior Center (Newtonville, MA)
  The "Fit and Balance Brain" (FABB) program combines physical fitness with brain challenge.  Seniors work with volunteer college students studying physical therapy to guide them in playing Nintendo Wii. The seniors play a variety of interactive sports games, as well as use the Wii Fit component to focus on specific muscle groups and balance improvement. In addition to the physical component of the program, the seniors are able to develop relationships with local college students.
• Resources for Seniors, Inc. (Wake County, NC)
  The "Fit & Strong" program blends a cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility program with a group problem-solving curriculum. The program is designed to help manage the symptoms of arthritis, develop confidence in the ability to exercise safely with arthritis, and promote a commitment to lifestyle change. The program is eight weeks long and meets three days a week for 90-minute sessions that include an education and discussion component. Before the end of the program, participants meet with the instructor to develop an individualized exercise contract that fosters ongoing maintenance of physical activity.

2008 Winners

• Madison Senior Center (Madison, NJ)
  The "Stay Healthy" program-designed and conducted by volunteer, certified gerontological nurse Dr. Sandra Fielo-helps elders adjust to life with chronic disease and the inevitable changes associated with aging by providing free health-related consultations, encouraging participation in community activities, and promoting a proactive stance on staying healthy.
• TMC Senior Resource Center (Tucson, AZ)
  "Healthy Living Connections" is a program that offers classes and lectures on health topics, health screenings, access to a health information center, and trained volunteer health coaches, so seniors can learn ways to prevent and manage any health condition and improve their quality of life.
• Cabarrus County Senior Center (Concord, NC) 
  The Wellness Report Card is a measurement tool used to evaluate fitness programs. The Wellness Report Card aims to measure and record changes in blood pressure, BMI, inches lost, cardiovascular endurance, lower body strength, and flexibility. It is a motivational strategy for participants to keep as a record of their progress.
• Mecosta County Senior Center (Mecosta, MI)
  Personal Action Toward Health (P.A.T.H.) is an evidence-based, eight-week class. Participants learn how to set goals, design action plans, and problem solve. They also learn skills, such as muscle relaxation and breathing techniques.
• Grantsville Senior Center (Grantsville, MD)
  "Standing Strong: Evidence Based Falls Prevention Program" is a six-week health education program aimed at falls prevention for adults aged 60 and over. The program is comprised of five components: orientation, balance screenings, home modification for safety and falls prevention, medication management, and balance exercises.
• Two Rivers Senior Center (Two Rivers, WI)
  The goal of "Breakfast for your Brain" is to encourage seniors to realize the benefits of consistent mental exercise combined with a commitment to physical activity and good nutrition.  The session focuses on areas such as nutrition, how your brain works, humor, and memory-building exercises.