For the Health of It: Promoting the Wellness of Older Adults

While prevention is better than cure, it is never too late to get healthy. United Methodist Communities at The Wesleyan, located at 9 Wall Street in Red Bank, New Jersey, embraces a wellness agenda every day. On May 30, to promote the importance of regular physical activity not only for the older adults who reside there, but also for seniors in the community, they held For the Health of It.

Wendy Cedar, MBA, RDN, CDN, on-site coordinator of Wellness on Wheels, shows Elizabeth Abrams the hydroponic greenhouse.

Free and open to the public, the indoor and outdoor event highlighted local organizations, which focus on improving the health of older adults. Wendy Cedar, MBA, RDN, CDN, on-site coordinator of Wellness on Wheels (RWJBarnabas Health), showed attendees the hydroponic greenhouse, invited them to taste dressed salads, and distributed healthy recipes for its avocado-ranch dressing, as well as hummus, Indian-spiced cauliflower, etc. The mobile unit also demonstrates healthy cooking.

Many additional resources stationed indoors aided guests. Erik Jodelka, R.Ph., volunteered at the Ask a Pharmacist station, advising on prescription medication. Ask a Medicare Specialist, Charles Clarkson, Esq., project director of Senior Medicare Patrol of NJ, helped people understand the insurance program and answered questions. Laura Puccarelli, a local exercise instructor, conducted private individual fitness evaluations.

Charles Clarkson, Esq., project director of Senior Medicare Patrol of NJ, helps a guest interpret some Medicare documents.

 

Paula Ross, RN (registered nurse) from Monmouth Medical Center, tested for balance, explaining the importance of the inner ear, vision, joints, and feet, in maintaining balance and preventing falls, a major risk factor among older adults. Since bone health also correlates with fall risk, a second nurse from Monmouth Medical, Linda Grimes, RN, screened for bone density. Shari Wiseman, beauty consultant, and Elisa DiCorcia, store manager from Walgreen’s Pharmacy in Tinton Falls, shared advice and goody bags of health and beauty aids. All organizations shared handouts in Spanish and in English, and provided referrals.

Pamela Joyce, social service coordinator, arranged the logistics and organized the event. “The Wesleyan actively promotes senior wellness through our resident-oriented programs. We also offer programs and resources to the broader community through Senior Space, held at the Women’s Club of Red Bank every Wednesday.”

About United Methodist Communities at The Wesleyan

The United Methodist Church of Red Bank and Shrewsbury Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church partnered with United Methodist Communities to construct The Wesleyan. Funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Monmouth County Home Program brought this 60-unit residential senior community to life. The first residents took occupancy in October 1998.

For additional information about United Methodist Communities at The Wesleyan, visit UMCommunities.org/TheWesleyan or call 732-936-0760.

About United Methodist Communities

United Methodist Communities is a not-for-profit organization guided by a volunteer board of directors affiliated in ministry with the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. The mission of the United Methodist Communities is compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life.

With over 111 years of continuous operation, the organization has grown to nine communities offering independent, residential and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks.

For additional information about United Methodist Communities, visit UMCommunities.org

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