The Health Promotion Program
Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or cancer are, unfortunately, often a part of the aging process and can create challenges that affect every aspect of a person’s life. Ninety-two percent of people over age 65 live with at least one chronic health condition. However, learning to manage those conditions enables people to stay healthy, active, and engaged in their communities. The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs provide adults with evidence-based techniques and strategies to manage chronic health conditions.
The AAA assists in the coordination, development and administration of health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. The purpose of this service is to support older adults in maintaining optimal physical, mental and emotional health.
To find a list of programs offered locally, visit the links below:
Jackson County Department on Aging
Macon County Senior Services/Crawford Senior Center
Swain County Senior Center
Fall Prevention
The Area Agency on Aging promotes Fall Prevention Education through a host of strategies including:
- AAA coordinates Samaritan’s Feet clinics throughout Region A. These shoe clinics offer older adults a correct fitting pair of shoes with the goal of lowering the risk of falls. The AAA partners with Western Carolina University’s Physical Therapy program and Southwestern Community College’s Occupational Health Program to offer these unique programs.
- AAA Staff are trained in Tai Chi for Arthritis/ Fall Prevention and Matter of Balance. We offer “train the trainer” classes to certify other coaches in WNC. We are always in need of coaches, if you’d like to be trained to lead either of these classes contact Lisa Allen [email protected] 828.586.1962 ext.221
- The AAA participates in the WNC Fall Prevention Coalition whose mission is to come together collectively and raise awareness and discuss best practices to prevent falls. To learn more about the coalition click here: WNC Fall Prevention Coalition
- AAA has collaborated with WCU’s Interior Design program on a special project called RAD (Resilient Age-Inclusive Design). This project is aimed at designing a home specifically for the needs of an older adult and developing a home assessment that identifies fall risks and other senior needs in the home.
Health and Community Education
The AAA employs a Health and Community Educator who plays a vital role in community outreach efforts.
Here are some of the events AAA has participated in:
- Manna Food Drives
- Veteran’s Outreach
- Vecinos Farmworker’s Health program
- Med Assist
- Samaritans Feet
- Various Health Fairs
If you’d like for the AAA to assist you in an event, contact Lisa Allen, Health and Community Educator at [email protected] 828.586.1962 ext.221