MCCOG partners with community agencies to provide evidence-based health promotion programs in order to ensure healthier lives, caring communities, and a sense of independence in our region’s older adults.

 

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?  There is Help!

You don't have to stop doing the things you love to do. The key to getting the most out of life is learning to manage your symptoms.

 

Small group self-management programs include chronic disease, diabetes, and chronic pain.

​

Each program meets 2.5 hours once a week for six-weeks. Classes are offered in community settings such as senior centers, churches,

libraries, and hospitals, and are facilitated by two trained leaders. The programs are evidenced based and supported by the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.

​

Topics covered include:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation

• Appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance

• Appropriate use of medications

• Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals

• Nutrition

• Decision-making

• How to evaluate new treatments

 

 

Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

​

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is a program specially designed by Dr. Paul Lam in conjunction with his Tai Chi associates and a team of medical experts. Based on the Sun Style Tai Chi, it is easy to learn, effective and safe. It improves flexibility, muscle strength and integrates the mind and body.

​

Tai Chi originates from ancient China. Nowadays it is practiced throughout the world to improve health and well-being. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing is deepened and slowed, aiding visual and mental concentration. Tai Chi for Arthritis can be practiced almost anywhere and is a suitable form of exercise for just about anyone. Several studies have shown this program to relieve pain and improve physical ability and well-being. Other studies have also shown Tai Chi to improve fitness, high blood pressure, muscular strength and flexibility. Tai Chi for Arthritis improves balance and reduces the risk of falling.

​

Classes meet for one hour twice a week for 10 weeks.

 

A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

​

Classes help participants learn to:

• View falls and fear of falling as controllable

• Set realistic goals for increasing activity

• Change their environment to reduce fall risk factors

• Promote exercise to increase strength and balance

 

Designed to benefit older adults who:

• Are concerned about falls

• Have sustained a fall in the past

• Restrict activities because of concerns about falling

• Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength

• Are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem-solve

​​

Mid-Carolina Senior Games

Mid-Carolina Senior Games, held annually in the spring, is part of a network of 52 local games that provide statewide health promotion and wellness programs for adults 50 years of age and better. The local games provide senior residents of Cumberland, Harnett, and Sampson Counties the opportunity to participate in wellness workshops, health fairs, Silver Striders Walking Clubs, Silver Arts, exercise classes, and special social events throughout the year.

 

For the athlete there are more than 25 various sporting events and the Silver Arts offer categories in visual arts, literary arts, heritage arts, and the performing arts. Medal winners qualify for the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals held each fall in Raleigh and every two years the National Senior Games.

​

Contact Isabel Fitzgibbons, MCCOG Team Member, with questions for additional information about our health promotion programs or the Mid-Carolina Senior Games.  You may call Isabel at (910) 323-4191 or click here to email her.

​