Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Dear Friends and Colleagues, As we move through the seasons, it's a perfect time to reflect on three critical pillars of our collective well-being: social health, wellness, and immunization awareness. These themes are not only intertwined but also foundational to our mission at PCOA. I’m excited to share some thoughts on how we’re embracing these important areas to enhance the quality of life for our community. Let's start with social health, an area close to my heart. Our connections with others play a huge role in our overall well-being. Strong social ties bring joy, reduce stress, and contribute to a longer, healthier life. According to the National Council on Aging, social isolation and loneliness increases an older adult’s risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cogitative decline, Alzheimer’s Disease, and death. Studies even show a mortality risk from loneliness is comparable to smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day. At PCOA, we’re committed to fostering these important connections. Whether it’s through our Neighbors Care Alliance program, Memory Cafes or our Community Lunch Program, we’re creating opportunities for meaningful interactions. Additionally, our Pima Meals on Wheels program not only provides home delivered meals but also offers a critical social connection for homebound older adults through the delivery drivers, sometimes the only social connection they may have. Loneliness and social isolation are significant issues, especially among
older adults, and we’re actively working to combat these through various initiatives. Imagine a community where everyone feels valued and included—that's the vision we’re striving for. Wellness is another cornerstone of our efforts. We all know that health is more than just the absence of illness; it’s about thriving physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our wellness programs reflect this holistic approach. Activities like EFitness classes and the Matter of Balance program help our participants stay active and maintain mobility, which is crucial for overall health. Beyond physical fitness, we provide mental health support through our one-on-one caregiving and dementia support programs, respite program and community support groups, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Nutrition plays a crucial role in wellness too. In addition to our Pima Meals on Wheels program, we offer our Community Lunch Program at 13 sites across Pima County. Good nutrition is fundamental to maintaining health and well-being, and we’re dedicated to supporting our members in this aspect. Now, just as much as ever, immunization awareness is critical. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect ourselves and our community from preventable diseases. For older adults, immunizations are particularly important as we are at higher risk for complications from diseases like influenza, pneumonia, and shingles the older we get. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations helps maintain health and independence by preventing illnesses that can be serious
or even life-threatening. By ensuring that older adults receive the necessary vaccines, we are protecting not only individual health but also the health of our community as a whole. As we focus on these three pillars—social health, wellness, and immunization awareness—we’re reminded of how interconnected they are. Each plays a key role in building a healthier, more resilient community. At PCOA, our commitment is to foster an environment where everyone can achieve their highest potential for health and happiness. As we navigate the complexities of health and wellness in today’s world, I encourage each of you to engage with our programs and initiatives. Visit our Classes and Event Calendar at www.pcoa/org/calendar/ and discover a way to keep aging well! Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we strive to better serve our community. Together, let’s build a future where health and happiness are within everyone’s reach. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, we can create a community where health and happiness flourish. Warm regards,
W. Mark Clark President & CEO
July/August 2024, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
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