Positive Aging Workshop series set to begin in Holmes County

The Falls Prevention Program of Holmes & Wayne, under the direction of the Holmes County General Health District, and the Standing Against Falls Coalition will sponsor a Positive Aging Workshop series beginning May 6 in celebration of Older Americans Month.

The workshops are open to individuals age 60 and older. Caregivers, adult children and anyone interested in learning about healthy, positive aging also are encouraged to attend. Each session will provide attendees with tools to support healthy and safe aging. The workshops are free.

Sessions will be held from 1-3 p.m. in the second-floor conference room No. 208 at the Holmes County General Health District, 2600 Glen Drive, Millersburg. Each workshop consists of two one-hour sessions covering topics related to positive aging and healthy living. Speakers represent agencies from Holmes and Wayne counties and the state of Ohio.

Individuals are asked to preregister for workshops they plan to attend to ensure adequate resources are available.

The May 6 workshop will begin with “Stand Up to Falls!” from 1-2 p.m., where participants will learn falls are not a natural part of aging and will be introduced to fall prevention efforts within the Falls Prevention Program of Holmes & Wayne. The session will promote awareness and prevention across all age groups. Kerry MacQueen, MA, CTRS, health educator/injury prevention coordinator for the Holmes County General Health District, will serve as the speaker.

From 2-3 p.m. “Share Your Story” will feature individuals from Holmes and Wayne counties sharing personal experiences with falls and discussing the importance of fall prevention education. Speakers include Ron and Sandy Schlegel and Pam Leach.

The May 13 workshop will feature “Sensitivity to Aging” from 1-2 p.m., offering participants perspectives on challenges associated with aging including vision impairment and mobility loss, as well as insight for caregivers. The session will be led by Leisha Hickenbottom, caregiver education coordinator, certified dementia practitioner with the Area Agency on Aging Region 9.

From 2-3 p.m. “Supporting the Supporter: Strategies and Resources for Dementia Caregiving” will provide an overview of dementia and offer strategies and resources to support caregivers. Marty Williman, BSN, program director for the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, will present.

The May 20 workshop will begin with “Cybersecurity Help, Information and Protection Program” from 1-2 p.m., focusing on how to protect electronic devices and personal information including challenges related to mobile technology. Danielle Murphy, consumer educator with consumer protection in the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, will speak.

From 2-3 p.m. “Cut the Clutter” will address the impact of clutter and provide practical strategies for managing possessions. The session will be led by Kate Shumaker, MS, RD, LD, extension educator in family and consumer sciences with OSU Extension Holmes County.

The May 27 workshop will include “Parkinson’s and Positive Aging: Tools for Today and Hope for Tomorrow” from 1-2 p.m., where participants will learn about Parkinson’s disease including symptoms, support strategies and current research. The session will be presented by Nikki Roach, PT.

From 2-3 p.m. “Healthy Living: Exercise” will explore the importance of physical activity and introduce exercises to improve strength and balance, led by Josiah Koser, DPT, of Pomerene Rehabilitation.

Each session will have opportunities for a Q-and-A period. Brochures and resources will be available at each workshop session on the specific topics presented. Refreshments will be provided by Danbury Senior Living Millersburg.

Call MacQueen at the health district at 330-674-5035 ext. 251 to preregister or with questions.