"Aging in Stride" Provides Framework for Extended Learning Series

What do you get when you combine an award-winning book, a community of knowledgeable professionals, and a roomful of seniors who are eager to learn? A healthy aging series so successful, its organizers are already making plans for next year’s program.

Ozaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center (OCADRC) in Port Washington, Wisconsin, built a nine-week series around the book Aging in Stride, published by Caresource Healthcare Communications. The book provided the framework for local authorities to share their expertise with participants. Outside guest speakers—including pharmacists, driving instructors, social workers, law enforcement officials and hospice workers—teamed with Ozaukee County staff to educate attendees on the many aspects of healthy aging.

Jan Braby, Information and Assistance Specialist at OCADRC, said that the series definitely achieved its goal—to equip seniors with the tools for prevention, so that they won’t find themselves in a crisis situation later on.

“We thought it was a very thorough overview of all the aspects that people should consider, when they think about aging,” Braby said.

Some of the speakers used the forms that are included in Aging in Stride, and all participants were given the book on the last day of the program. More than 70 people started the series, and 50 attended it in its entirety. For the additional people who had to be put on a waiting list, due to limited space, they will have their opportunity in Fall 2007, when OCADRC plans to offer the course again.