Ohio Department of Aging Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Healthy lifestyle programs can help you take control of your life and manage your health conditions. These "evidence-based" programs are proven, community initiatives that provide health benefits and promote disease prevention. They are made possible through funding from the U.S. Administration on Aging and support from the Ohio Department of Health, and the hard work of area agencies on aging, local health departments, Alzheimer's Association Chapters, Senior Corps Programs, senior centers and other providers.

Statewide programs

The following programs are available in all Ohio communities. Call your area agency on aging to learn more.

• Healthy U - Because it's never too late to learn how to be healthy, Healthy U is a chronic disease self-management program that helps adults of any age gain confidence in their ability to manage symptoms and understand how their health problems affect their lives. Individuals participate in an interactive workshop 2 1/2 hours a week for six weeks. Each workshop is facilitated by a pair of leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic disease themselves. Healthy U was developed by researchers at Stanford University, and is offered in Ohio through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Health and local organizations.
   
• Healthy U: Diabetes is a diabetes self-management program that builds on the successful structure of Healthy U, but is tailored specifically for adults living with type 2 diabetes. Like Healthy U, this program is conducted in a series of six, 2 1/2 hour weekly workshops at locations within your community, and workshop leaders have personal experience dealing with diabetes and diabetes-related conditions. Healthy U: Diabetes was developed by researchers at Stanford University, and is offered in Ohio through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Health and local organizations.
   
• Healthy IDEAS - Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Seniors) is a depression self-management program that includes screening, assessment, education and referral to appropriate health professionals. Made possible through collaborations with the Older Ohioans Behavioral Health Network and Ohio Department of Mental Health, the program is conducted through case management and serves clients as well as family caregivers. Healthy IDEAS is available in all regions of Ohio.

Regional Programs

The following programs also may be available in your area. Call your area agency on aging to check availability in your community.

• A Matter of Balance - A Matter of Balance is an education program that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals, change their environment to reduce risk factors and exercise to increase strength and balance. A Matter of Balance is offered by seven area agencies on aging and many local aging network providers and health departments.
   
• Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease - Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease provides exercise training to people with Alzheimer's disease who live at home. At the same time, family caregivers learn about strategies to manage behavioral symptoms. This program is offered by four of Ohio's seven Alzheimer's Association Chapters (Northwest Ohio, Miami Valley, Central Ohio and Greater East Ohio).

Find a workshop starting soon near you.

Become a Volunteer Leader

Healthy U and Healthy U: Diabetes use volunteer instructors, or “lay leaders,” to conduct workshops. Volunteers often have ongoing health issues themselves and benefit from interaction with workshop participants. If you are successfully managing your chronic condition, consider becoming a lay leader to help others live happier, healthier lives.

The Ohio Department of Aging and Ohio's aging network are proud partners of the Healthy Ohio initiative.

The Ohio Department of Aging is proud to support Ohio Senior Olympics.