The Older Adult Section at The Arkansas Department of Health recognize the quality of life for many older adults can be enhanced through an array of services which include increasing their awareness of managing chronic disease and the importance that physical activity and proper nutrition plays in the quality of life they will lead.
Programs
Active Living Every Day
ALED- Active Living Every Day’s emphasis on moderate-intensity activity, fitting activity into life in realistic ways, and personalizing physical activity programs makes it appealing to just about anyone who wants to become more active. This evidence-based course uses established behavior change models such as the stages of the stages of readiness to change to empower people to overcome their barriers to physical activity. Participants find ways to fit physical activity into their daily lives and maintain active lifestyles even when difficult life situations arise.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
CDSMP-Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a lay-led participant education program offered in communities in the United States and several other countries. Participants are adults experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes; their family members, friends and caregivers can also participate. The program provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems. The CDSMP gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. The program consistently results in greater energy/reduced fatigue, more exercise, fewer social role limitations, better psychological well-being, enhanced partnerships with physicians, improved health status, and greater self efficacy.
Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence
PEPPI-Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence is a physical activity program specifically designed for older adults to increase and maintain their level of fitness and independence. The physical activity program includes strength training using resistance bands and walking. PEPPI program provides older Arkansans with the opportunity to learn how to exercise correctly (i.e. using correct techniques) in a safe environment, both physically (at the senior center) and mentally (among people of similar age and health conditions), and to increase their level of physical activity.
A Matter of Balance
AMOB – A Matter of Balance includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by a trained facilitator. This program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University, and has been nationally recognized. Many seniors experience fear of falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls emphasizes practical strategies to reduce this fear and increase activity levels.
Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable; set realistic goals to increase activity; change their environment to reduce fall risk factors; and exercise to increase strength and balance.