Town hosts ‘Keys to Successful, Healthy Aging’ class

Senior adults age 55 or older who are concerned about the aging process, and who live within an hour’s drive of Farragut Town Hall, are encouraged to sign up for a town of Farragut class.

Keys to Successful, Healthy Aging is the topic of a one-hour presentation by Choices in Senior Care. It runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Town Hall boardroom. Class is free of charge.

As for feedback, “people who have heard this presentation in the past have said, ‘it made me feel better about myself because you talked about some of the things that you might expect with typical or normal aging,’” said Elaine Wilson, director of outreach for Choices in Senior Care.

“And also, people seem to enjoy or are interested in the way we sort of talk about those five areas: exercise, nutrition, social interactions, mental stimulation and positive emotions,” she added.

Instructor is scheduled to be Beth Wade, an R.N and care manager with Choices in Senior Care.

About nutrition, discussion would include “diets that have been researched recently that are associated with reduced risks for cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease,” Wilson said.

“Also about preventing dehydration and the importance of that as we age,” she added. “I think that’s a piece that sometimes people thinking about diet” overlook.”

Concerning exercise, “I think we’re going to, in general, talk about ways to exercise, different options,” Wilson said. “And we talk about the importance of making it easy, safe and social. … Consider ways to get good, physical exercise into your routine. Talking about the benefits of some exercises. … And to be convenient, to fit your routine, and be affordable.”

As for cognitive stimulation, Wilson pointed to “that concept of mental flexibility through learning new skills; so we’re going to give some suggestions and ways to maintain or promote mental or cognitive stimulation.”

Wilson said participants are encouraged to bring pen and paper for making notes. “We’ll also have some handouts,” she added. “… And we try to take questions during the presentation.”

Deadline to register is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2. Register online at www.townoffarragut.org/register, in person at Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive, or by calling 865-218-3375.