“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 allows 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.

She added, “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 hundreds of seniors before the pandemic and approximately 500 seniors during the pandemic, when the UOG extension team instead delivered handouts on the “keys” to seniors’ homes. Since then, the team has conducted in-person workshops at the Inarajan Senior Center and will move next to Sinajana.

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 caregive 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.”

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Request a workshop

The Keys to Embracing Aging workshops are offered at senior centers and other community venues upon request. The curriculum is also available through self-paced online workshops.

To express interest, please contact UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach – Family & Consumer Sciences at (671) 735-2020, or email Clarissa Barcinas at csnbarcinas@triton.uog.edu or Elaine de Leon at deleone7367@triton.uog.edu.