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Local Voices

YMCA of Greater Providence Healthy Aging Program Receives Second Year of Funding From Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Providence, Rhode Island (Monday, August 12, 2013) - The Healthy, Safe and Over 60 project at the YMCA of Greater Providence has been honored with a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation for the second year in a row. This program is part of the Y’s commitment to help older adults remain fit, active and engaged in their communities. Known as HSO60, the project is a suite of three evidence-based programs to prevent falls, build strength and balance, and manage chronic diseases.

“We know people are living longer,” says Jim Berson, President and CEO, “and supporting older adults in maintaining healthy lifestyles is a priority for the YMCA of Greater Providence. Falls prevention is a critical part of the process to ensure that seniors stay active longer. Funding from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation is allowing us to provide services to more seniors in our communities.” All programming takes place in YMCAs, senior centers, and other community based locations, and is offered free of charge.

 HSO60 begins with participation in A Matter of Balance, a nationally recognized program designed to reduce the fear and risk of falling while increasing the activity level of older adults concerned about falls. During the class participants learn to control their fear of falling, set realistic goals for increasing activity, and enjoy an exercise routine to increase strength and balance.  Participants who have completed A Matter of Balance and live with chronic diseases are encouraged to join the Living Well Rhode Island disease self-management program; those looking to improve their fitness and balance may join the Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance program. HSO60 will begin in September and run through summer 2014. For more information, participants can call Martha Machnik, Director of Healthy Aging, at 401-427-1820. 

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 Contact:

Diane Nahabedian

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401-521-9622 x121

dnahabedian@gpymca.org 

The YMCA of Greater Providence is a 501C3 serving communities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The Y  is a charitable organization made up of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. 

About the Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Tufts Health Plan launched the Tufts Health Plan Foundation in 2008 with the mission to promote healthy lifestyles and the delivery of quality care in our communities. With a focus on healthy aging, the foundation has given approximately $10 million to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofits that elevate the physical, mental and emotional well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Through grants in three areas – health & wellness, purposeful engagement and empowerment – the foundation seeks to fund programs that will help adults age 60 or older improve and maintain their health, manage their chronic diseases, prevent falls, engage in their communities, find encore careers and volunteer opportunities, and access programs and services. Visit www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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