Wellness Classes

6 weeks, ongoing. Meet three times a week for 30 minutes to 1 hour each session. Participants are expected to walk on their own at least one other time each week.

• Group-based and self-directed program that combines self-paced walks with health-related discussions.

If you your group would like to schedule a Walk with Ease workshop, please call 417-868-9523.

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Happy Lemon Cafe’

The South Side Senior also offers the Happy Lemon Cafe’. This is a unique experience offering those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia a place to safely participate in activities, education, and meals every Friday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

We believe it is extremely important for seniors to attend regular check-ups and take part in preventative health screenings to ensure health, happiness, and longevity.  Below are some of the screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), created by the Centers for Disease Control:

Breast Cancer Screening
Woman over the age of 40 should receive a screening mammogram for breast cancer every 1 to 2 years. The benefits of screening to reduce breast cancer mortality are found to be strongest for women ages 50-69.

Colorectal Cancer
Both men and women should be screened for this type of cancer after the age of 50. There are a variety of screening methods and frequency recommendations, so ask your doctor what he or she recommends for your specific health situation.

High Blood Pressure Screening
Beginning at age 35 for men and age 45 for women, periodic screening for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can effectively reduce the risk of developing the serious cardiac problems associated with these conditions. In addition, adults of all ages should be screened for obesity and counseled about its related health issues.

Osteoporosis
Beginning at age 65, or age 60 if additional risk factors or present, women should have a bone density screening to assess risk for developing osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is more common among women, men should still undergo screening tests.

Visual Impairment
Though an age was not associated with this recommendation, the USPSTF recommends that all “elderly adults” should have an annual vision test. Vision problems can be the source of more serious complications and can increase a senior’s risk for falls or accidents at home. Early screening and detection can not only helps to preserve vision, but to promote independence for seniors.

Depression
Many seniors suffer from depression and/or other mental health problems, so screening for these issues is an important counterpoint to physical health screenings.

In addition to these screenings, your primary care physician may recommend other tests based on your personal health history, family history, and other risk factors. Regular visits to your doctor are critical to help prevent serious illness as you age.

Did You Know?   Key Points Shared by the Surgeon General 

• Older adults, both male and female, can benefit from regular physical activity.
• Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
• Older adults can obtain significant health benefits with a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. A moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as walking) or in shorter sessions of more vigorous activities (such as fast walking or stair walking).
• Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity, either by increasing the duration, intensity, or frequency. Because risk of injury increases at high levels of physical activity, care should be taken not to engage in excessive amounts of activity.
• Previously sedentary older adults who begin physical activity programs should start with short intervals of moderate physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired amount.
• Older adults should consult with a physician before beginning a new physical activity program.
• In addition to cardiorespiratory endurance (aerobic) activity, older adults can benefit from muscle-strengthening activities. Stronger muscles help reduce the risk of falling and improve the ability to perform the routine tasks of daily life.

Benefits of Physical Activity Among Older Adults

• Helps maintain the ability to live independently and reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones.
• Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
• Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
• Helps people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength.
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.
• Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.

Did you know?

According to the National Council on Aging:

• 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ fall each year.
• Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall
• Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall
• In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion (78% paid by Medicare)
• This total cost may reach $67.7 billion by 2020
• Even falls without injury can cause fear of falling leading to physical decline, depression, and social isolation.

Falls Prevention: Tips for Older Adults

Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.  If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is a great way to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible.

The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. They key is to know where to look. Here are some common factors that can lead to falls as reported by the National Council on Aging:

• Balance and gait: As we age, mosty of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance— primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
• Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see.
• Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.
• Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age.
• Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications.

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer:

• Lighting: Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs. Ensure that lighting is readily available when getting up in the middle of the night.
• Stairs: Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.
• Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Make sure they’re installed where your older loved one would actually use them. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand-held shower.