Kaua‘i Agency on Elderly Affairs workshop series aims to help seniors with chronic conditions

The county of Kaua‘i Agency on Elderly Affairs is accepting registrations for its upcoming Better Choices, Better Health workshop series, and invites kupuna aged 60 years and older to apply.

The Better Choices, Better Health workshops are evidence-based self-management programs originally developed at Standford University, aimed to help participants better manage their health.

The highly interactive workshop will focus on a chronic disease self-management program, which will run for six weeks at the Līhu‘e Civic Center. Workshop sessions will be held every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting Sept. 10.

To register for the Better Choices, Better Health workshop series, contact Johnny Yago at 808-241-4898 or jyago@kauai.gov at least three business days before the start of the workshop. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 10 participants.

Developed by Self-Management Resource Center, the program is designed to provide support and build confidence in the participants’ ability to manage their diabetes while maintaining active and fulfilling lives.

The workshop is a part of a statewide initiative called Hawai‘i Healthy Aging Partnership – Empowering Elders. To gain maximum benefit, participants should plan on attending all six sessions.

Among the topics that will be covered are the following:

• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;
• Healthy eating;
• Appropriate use of medication;
• How to work more effectively with healthcare providers; and
• Dealing with emotions and depression

Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program.

For more information on the Better Choices, Better Health workshop, visit the Hawai‘i Healthy Aging Partnership website: Hawaiihealthyaging.org or Kauaiadrc.org.