Celebrate Aging: UConn Program For Baby Boomers

In an effort to promote healthy living and successful aging, the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington will launch a new program this fall. Called “Celebrate Aging,” this free membership program will be modeled after the successful Celebrate Women initiative; however, Celebrate Aging will be open to both women and men who consider themselves “baby boomers and beyond,” explains Lori Matyjas, the coordinator.

 ”Like Celebrate Women, Celebrate Aging will offer members a variety of free and low-cost programs to enhance the body, mind, and spirit. We will focus on health care issues as well as recreational topics designed for retirees, and those who are near retirement age,” Ms Matyjas said, noting that Celebrate Aging will present programs ranging from fun topics, such as how to prepare for golf season to more serious health topics, such as programs about life-saving screening tests and information.

 Celebrate Aging will collaborate closely with medical and research experts at the UConn Center on Aging, based at the health center.

 ”Statistics show that people are living longer and healthier lives. We are delighted to be part of a program that helps people age successfully and happily,” said George Kuchel, MD, director of the UConn Center on Aging,

 This spring and summer, before the program officially kicks off, Ms Matyjas and others will host a series of focus groups to gather input from community members and gather suggestions for the Celebrate Aging program. To participate in the focus groups, call Celebrate Aging at 860-679-4900 or 866-837-7737. The focus groups will be held in several locations in the community.

“If the success of the Celebrate Women initiative is an indicator, we anticipate that Celebrate Aging will also be a big hit in the community,” said Diane Bennett, director of Celebrate Women, who works closely with Ms Matyjas. “In less than two years, more than 8,000 women have joined Celebrate Women because they are very interested in relevant and timely health information. I have no doubt there are even more baby boomers who are also seeking health information, as well as health-related and recreational activities,” she said.

 Ms Matyjas previously worked as a public health educator and is also a licensed practical nurse. Prior to joining Celebrate Aging, she was a community-based education specialist with the Health Careers Opportunities Program at the health center. She says she is anxious to start organizing new programs for baby boomers.

“Celebrate Aging was created to help men and women address the issues of aging in a positive way, and to dispel some of the myths associated with aging,” Ms Matyjas said. “I look forward to helping people embrace aging and take an active role in their health and wellness.”

 For more information, call the health center at 860-679-4900 or 866-837-7737. To learn more about the UConn Center on Aging, visit pepper.uchc.educ/.