UOG to hold holiday-themed Keys to Embracing Aging class series

UOG to hold holiday-themed Keys to Embracing Aging class series

UOG to hold holiday-themed Keys to Embracing Aging class series


11/4/2025

Workshop participants
Dionecia Villagomez, left, and Antonita Garcia show their class materials during the Keys to Embracing Aging workshop, offered at the Tamuning Senior Center by University of Guam Land Grant in August 2025. Photo courtesy of the University of Guam

Adults in the community are invited to start the holiday season and New Year with intention toward wellness and healthy aging at the Holiday Wellness Week: Keys to Embracing Aging with Joy and Holiday Cheer workshop series. Facilitated by University of Guam Land Grant, the series is designed to help adults take a holistic approach to wellness during the holidays — from balanced, nutritious eating, to staying connected, to learning new activities for brain health.

The five sessions will take place from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, Nov. 17–20, and on Monday, Nov. 24, on the UOG campus for a single fee of $25.
 
Led by human services specialist Dr. Tim de La Cruz and family and consumer science extension associate Clarissa Barcinas, the classes will put a holiday spin on the research-based “Keys to Embracing Aging” curriculum. The sessions will include educational talks, hands-on activities, and group discussions — all centered on living fully and aging gracefully during an often hectic and stressful time of year.
 
Monday, Nov. 17
Gratitude & Grace: Set the Tone for the Holidays
Learn the power of a positive attitude, especially during what can be a stressful season, as well as key strategies for managing stress. Activities will include painting for stress relief, creating Blessing Trees, and other centering activities.
 
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Festive & Healthy: Nourish Your Body During the Holidays
The holidays are a particularly challenging time to maintain healthy eating habits. Participants will be equipped for every party after learning the holiday plate method to ensuring a balanced diet. They will also spend time in the kitchen learning to transform favorite holiday recipes into more nutritious versions.  
 
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Staying Active Amid the Holiday Hustle
This session will teach participants some fun and festive ways to get exercise during a busy time of year, including chair yoga to holiday music and dancing throughout the season.
 
Thursday, Nov. 20
Connecting & Celebrating: Relationships that Warm the Holiday Season
Socializing and avoiding isolation are essential for having a happy holiday season. This session will feature tips for connecting with friends and loved ones, holiday card making, and the sharing of family traditions.
 
Monday, Nov. 24
Brain Health: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Keeping the brain active and engaged is essential for healthy aging. This session will teach some different cognitive and problem-solving activities. Participants will also make a Holiday Memory Jar, create gift tags, play some holiday trivia, and learn a new skill.
 
Registration
Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Those interested can register at https://url.uog.edu/holiday-wellness. The registration fee of $25 can be paid online from the registration form or upon arrival at the first class.
For more information, contact Clarissa Barcinas at (671) 735-2041 or email csnbarcinas@triton.uog.edu. Follow UOG Land Grant on Facebook and Instagram to stay posted on upcoming workshops, or subscribe to the email list at https://url.uog.edu/landgrant-subscribe.

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