The Newtown Community Center’s new fall programming began the second week of September and included a free Aging Mastery course that met Tuesday, September 10, from 4:30 to 6 pm.

Jennifer Cebry, program coordinator for the Newtown Community Center, said the class registration was full, with 25 participants signed up for the 11-week program. For students that attend at least seven of the sessions, they will be eligible to partake in a special graduation ceremony at the final meeting on November 19.

Leading the first day of the program was Maureen Farrell, director of community wellness for the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, with her assistant intern Janely Betances.

Ms Farrell explained that The National Council on Aging developed the Mastery Program to educate seniors across the country on aging.

The program has partnered with local groups, including CT Healthy Living Collective and the Anthem Foundation, for residents throughout Connecticut to benefit from the material.

Every student attending the Aging Mastery course at the Newtown Community Center received an educational program book on the national curriculum.

After watching an introductory video from The National Council on Aging with seniors’ positive testimonials from participating in the program, Ms Farrell went over what the goals of the course are.

“We’re going to learn how longevity is a gift, we’re going to understand the new realities of aging, understand the importance of gratitude… and we’re going to learn how the Aging Mastery program can work for you,” she said.

During the first class, Ms Farrell also encouraged the students to create a set of class rules for everyone to abide by, which included being respectful of one another and having a positive attitude.

Each week, there will be a different expert leading the session to teach a specific topic. The class schedule currently details that themes will be about navigating longer lives, fall prevention, healthy eating and hydration, healthy relationships, financial fitness, community engagement, medication management, sleep, exercise, and advance planning.

For more information about the Aging Mastery Program and to access resources, Ms Farrell recommends visiting agewellct.org.