Invested in prevention: Now serving seniors 55+

More seniors will now have access to prevention services starting at age 55. New this year, United Way has lowered the age requirements for diabetes and fall prevention programs from 65 to 55 to build a stronger foundation for healthy aging.

“We want to make sure we’re reaching at-risk adults before it’s too late,” said Carmen Bell, Director of Healthy Aging, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).

Half of all Americans age 65 or older have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were a total of 1.7 million new total diabetes cases in 2012. In 2012, adults aged 45 to 64 were the most diagnosed age group for type 2 diabetes.

“With this shift to include seniors 55-plus, we can assure that we’re not just managing diabetes after it’s diagnosed, but working with seniors individually to change the lifestyle choices that can lead to diabetes later in life,” added Bell.

Falls are the leading cause of injury to people over 65, making the risk of falling one of the biggest threats to independent living. Exercise is a proven way to prevent falls by strengthening the muscles that improve posture and balance. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially.

United Way is proud to partner with YWCA of Bethlehem to support to the Diabetes and Fall Prevention Coalitions.

“YWCA of Bethlehem has supported healthy aging for Lehigh Valley seniors since opening Northampton County’s first adult daycare center in 1984.  We have been providing Breast Health Education to women and men since 2010.  The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer.  Women over 70 have the highest rates of breast cancer.  In 2017, the YWCA Bethlehem began facilitating the CDC’s Prevent T-2 curriculum for community members identified as being at-risk for developing Type 2 diabetes,” said Stephanie Hnatiw, Executive Director, YWCA of Bethlehem. “We are now partnering with United Way’s Alliance on Aging to provide backbone support for the Fall Prevention Coalition and Diabetes Prevention Coalition.  During the United Way’s 2018-2022 investment cycle, YWCA Bethlehem will support both coalitions by bringing together healthcare providers to improve health outcomes for seniors and coordinating community outreach events.”

United Way’s 2018-22 Healthy Aging Portfolio provides funding for the following diabetes and fall prevention programs:

• Casa Guadalupe Center – Jesus Ramos Senior Program
• Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley – Basilio Huertas Senior Center
• The Greater Valley YMCA – Diabetes Fitness and Silver Sneakers programs
• Lehigh Valley Active Life – Get Moving and Live Better

The Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging is a nationally recognized collective impact movement that convenes partnerships throughout the Lehigh Valley to ensure seniors stay healthier and have a better quality of life.

For more information on Healthy Aging and the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging, please contact Carmen Bell at 610.807.5717.