Alert and Alive - Aging Wellness (In Person)

Many older people are not accustomed to speaking openly and freely about their feelings to those outside of their families. Holding a belief that their sense of privacy may be violated or that to do so places an unwanted burden on others. For other groups of older people, there is no one to share these feelings with.

An important feature that distinguishes Alert and Alive is that it is an empowerment model, training older adult volunteers to assume a leadership role and conduct the program on an ongoing basis. During the training course, older adult volunteers are taught the leadership skills that will enable them to establish a peer discussion group that can help members deal with the realities of aging.

The introduction of a mental wellness program into the lives of older people, especially when many of its components are self-chosen, opens up exciting new possibilities for productive living. Issues of concern to the group members are openly expressed among peers in a confidential and supportive environment.  Groups are led and facilitated by older adult volunteers. Older adult volunteers are someone aged 60 and up (some exceptions may apply). Older adult volunteers understand the joys and challenges of aging, which helps to create a supportive environment.

During the training course, senior volunteers are taught the leadership skills that will enable them to establish a discussion group that can help members deal with the realities of aging.

If you are interested in leading a group discussion but are not aged 60 and above, then Virtual Group Discussion may be for you.

Virtual Group Discussion is the newest program from Health Promotions. Virtual Group Discussion was created to assist older adult centers with social engagement. The purpose of group discussions is to allow volunteers to facilitate group discussions around topics they find most interesting (movies, books, travel, etc.).

Discussion topics are created by both the volunteer and the older adult center. Discussion topics should reflect the interest of both the volunteer and the older adults being served.

As a result of COVID-19, Alert & Alive and Virtual Group Discussion have been adapted to meet the needs of seniors and volunteers virtually.