Seniors who engage in lifelong learning enjoy many benefits; including adaptability, increased cognitive health and amplified self-confidence.

At Dixon United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio, the outreach team led by Dr. Mary Walker in partnership with West Care Ohio through the East End Community Services in Dayton presented the Aging Mastery Program. This program is an initiative of the National Council on Aging.

The Aging Mastery Program includes courses on falls prevention, healthy eating, and financial fitness, to name a few. The classes were facilitated by Nanci McGuire, Seniors Prevention Program Coordinator with East End Community Services.

Open to members of the church and community, Aging Mastery was made possible through a grant which covered the materials, meals, and the instructor. In addition, each student who completed the program received a Chrome Book with technology training as needed.

Dr. Walker said, “These classes are important to prolong life-expectancy. It keeps your mind and body active and helps you stay out of the doctor’s office.”

Walker continues, “This innovative program empowered the participants to take key steps to improving their well-being, adding stability to their life, and strengthening ties to their community by meeting new friends and by providing encouragement to one another.”

This is the third Aging Mastery Program hosted at Dixon UMC.  

Recently, Dixon UMC also hosted the Children/Teen Healthy Cuisine Cooking Class & Exercise Program. This four-week program will be taught by representatives from the Central State University Extension, a community outreach program of CSU whose goal is to holistically approach and improve conditions facing families in rural and urban communities.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Mary Walker at 937-835-3366. To follow Dixon UMC on Facebook, click here.

Written by Amy Graham - Freelance Writer for the West Ohio Communications