Healthy aging workshops through UOG bring positivity to Guam’s manåmko’

 

The Keys to Embracing Aging program is a series of lessons to help senior citizens prepare for and adjust to the process of aging. According to Extension Agent Tim Dela Cruz, the program teaches seniors about eight healthy aging “keys” through interactive activities, with the goal of facilitating their personal growth.

“The keys taught in each lesson encourage ways to prevent age-related diseases, how to cope with stress, how to approach aging positively, how to strengthen behavioral health, how to maintain healthy relationships and expand social connections, how to adjust to current trends, and how to promote personal safety,” Dela Cruz said.

‘The program allow us to move more, think more’

“It was unfortunate that during the pandemic, the socializing between seniors drastically decreased, and because they were not able to go to centers and be together, I think this was the cause of a lot of their depression,” said Therese Naputi, president of the Inarajan Senior Center, who participated in the first in-person Keys to Embracing Aging workshop since 2020. “The sessions enlightened me and presented the idea of staying positive. [They] encouraged us to do activities that we are comfortable with but [that] also allow us to think outside the box.”

She said the program was beneficial to her and the other seniors because it showed them that regardless of their age, there are many activities to partake in that promote healthy living and safety. The safety aspect of the workshop motivated Naputi to declutter her home to remove obstacles that may cause accidents.

“This program allows us to move more, think more, eat better, and feel better,” she said.

The curriculum reached approximately 500 seniors over the pandemic, when the UOG extension team instead delivered handouts on the “keys” to seniors’ homes. Since then, the in-person workshop has engaged 18 residents in Inarajan and will reach another 35 workshop participants when the series begins in Sinajana on Oct. 28.

Value for young and old

An important aspect of the program, Dela Cruz said, is that the participants learn from each other. They hear each other’s experiences, challenges, and stories of resiliency.

The lessons hold value for youth and younger adults as well, said UOG Extension Associate Clarissa Barcinas.

“The program can and has helped youth and young adults shape their beliefs and attitudes toward aging and reinforcing healthy behaviors that may lead to greater longevity,” she said. “For middle-aged adults, the lessons may benefit them as they care give for older loved ones and gain valuable insights on optimal aging and for senior citizens themselves because it is never too late to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.”

To find out more about the Keys to Embracing Aging program or see when it’s coming to your village, please contact the UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach – Family & Consumer Sciences at (671) 735-2020.