Statewide network offering Healthy Aging NC programs and national organizations
NC Organizations
North Carolina Recreation & Park Association
Founded in 1944, the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) is the premier nonprofit education and advocacy organization, dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in our state. NCRPA empowers park and recreation professionals and citizen board members through educational opportunities that enhance their ability to change lives and impact communities on a daily basis for the citizens of North Carolina. The NCRPA Wellness Initiative’s mission is to empower parks and recreation agencies in North Carolina to create healthy communities through the development of programs, policies, and infrastructure that support healthy eating and physical activity.
HealthyUNCG
UNCG’s employee wellness program providing UNCG employees with information, programs, resources, and services to promote a healthier, happier lifestyle and better quality of life.
Miles for Wellness
The state employee “Move More” initiative is offered through the NC Office of State Human Resources (NC OSHR) “by state employees for state employees.” The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) serves as the “Center of Human Resources Collaboration and Facilitation” for the State of North Carolina through an integrated, professional Human Resources function that is collaborative, strategic, and customer-focused, allowing state government to attract, retain, develop, and motivate a high-performing, diverse workforce.
Carolina Geriatric Education Center
Since 1999 the mission of the CGEC has been to improve the health of North Carolina’s older adults by providing evidence-based and culturally competent geriatrics education and training, and enable health professionals to better serve the state’s increasingly diverse older adult populations. Our goals under the newly formed Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (2015 – 2018) include integrating geriatrics into primary care, promoting interprofessional education and bringing continuing education to communities across North Carolina.
Eat Smart Move More NC
Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina is a statewide movement that promotes increased opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play and pray.
We work to help communities, schools and businesses make it easy for people to eat healthy food and be physically active. We also encourage individuals to think differently about what they eat and how much they move, and to make choices that will help them feel good and live better.
Eat Smart Move More NC Guide: Move More Walking Map Guide
Fall Prevention Coalitions in NC
The NC Falls Prevention Coalition works to reduce the number of injuries and deaths from falls in NC.
State and Local Fall Prevention Coalitions around North Carolina bring together a variety of stakeholders with the shared mission of reducing falls and fall related injuries in their regions. Communication through coalitions increases coordination of effort, reduces overlap and provides a network of program providership working locally on matching issues.
For more information, visit: ncfallsprevention.org
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Federally qualified health centers (FQHC) provide primary care services to traditionally underserved areas and populations regardless of ability to pay.
NC 2-1-1
When you need help or information for yourself, your family or someone you know all you need to do is dial 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org to get connected. Dial 2-1-1, it’s FREE, 24/7, confidential and available in all languages.<
NC4A
NC4A’s primary mission is to build capacity and coordinate the activities of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in North Carolina. AAAs are charged with helping older adults and people with disabilities, along with their caregivers, live in their communities in the least restrictive environment with maximum dignity and independence for as long as possible.
NC Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging are offices established through the Older Americans Act that serve to facilitate and support the development of programs to address the needs of older adults in a defined geographic region (see map) and support investment in their talents and interests. In N.C., AAAs are located within regional Councils of Government. These AAAs have functions in five basic areas: (1) advocacy; (2) planning; (3) program and resource development; (4) information brokerage; and (5) funds administration and quality assurance.
NC Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM)
Through its partnerships with government agencies, social groups and Baptist churches, NCBAM serves to help aging adults 65+ maintain their independence in their own homes. The ministry’s “Priority #1: Prevention” outreach focuses on fall and fire prevention education and medication management programs. The NCBAM Call Center (877.506.2226) provides information and resources and can also refer specific needs to Baptist volunteers across the state. Call Center assistance (877.506.2226) is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am– 5:00 pm.
NC Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-residential, 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporations. They are consumer-controlled, community-based organizations that provide programs and services for people with all types of disabilities and their families. The goal of CILs is to promote and support opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in an integrated community and search for the possibilities to live as they choose. Because peer support is an integral part of Independent Living the majority of the staff and board of directors of every CIL are people with disabilities.
NC Council of Churches
The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935 and is a statewide ecumenical organization promoting Christian unity and working towards a more just society. While the Council is itself overtly Christian, many of the committees and task groups are interfaith, including members from non-Christian faith communities. Several committees also include members of Christian denominations which are not part of the Council of Churches. Through this work, we live our motto: Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice.
NC Senior Centers
Connect with support systems, programs and experts through local senior centers. To find a nearby senior center, contact the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.
PDF: Falls Prevention Patient Information
PDF: AMOB Local Implementation Doc
NC YMCA’s – Moving for Better Balance
Also, to find a Healthy Aging program at a YMCA near you, please visit NC Alliance of YMCA .
Gaston County Family YMCA
201 S Clay St
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 865 8551
YMCA of Western North Carolina
53 Asheland Avenue Suite 105
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 251 5909 Moving for Better Balance Program Information
YMCA of the Triangle
801 Corporate Center Drive Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 719 9622 Moving for Better Balance Program Information
YMCA of Southeastern NC (Wilmington)
2710 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 251 9622 Moving for Better Balance Program Information
Wilkes Family YMCA (YMCA of Northwest NC)
801 YMCA Blvd
Wilkesboro NC 28697
(336) 838 3991 Health & Wellness Program Information
YMCA OF Greensboro
SPEARS YMCA
3216 Horse Pen Creek Rd.
Greensboro NC 27410
(336) 387 9622
Cleveland County Family YMCA
411 Cherrydale Rd.
Shelby NC 28150
(704) 484 9622
National Organizations
A Matter of Balance
This link takes you to Maine Health, the National organizer of the A Matter of Balance program.
Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.
A Matter of Balance includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by a trained facilitator. This nationally recognized program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University.
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles of arthritis through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The organization strives to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The agency is the national disseminator of the Walk With Ease program. (http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/walk-with-ease/).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to protect the health of 54.4 million men and women with arthritis in the United States. Our vision is one where men and women with arthritis live the fullest life possible, with the ability to pursue valued life activities with minimal pain. Arthritis includes more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. Symptoms vary depending on the specific form of the disease, but typically include pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. Some rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fall Prevention Information for Patients and Families
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise. Falls prevention is one area of focus for the CDC.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Disease Information
Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths each year, and treating people with chronic diseases accounts for 86% of our nation’s health care costs. Find out how CDC’s chronic disease prevention system brings together data, health care systems, and communities to support healthy choices and reduce risk behaviors for all Americans.
Chronic Disease Self Management Education
The Self-Management Resource Center is the culmination of 38 years of research and program development, all focused on the goal of helping people better manage their chronic health conditions.
Our self-management programs help people and their caregivers control their symptoms, better manage their health problems, and lead fuller lives.
Our programs, including the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), have enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and will continue to do so via the Self-Management Resource Center.
Our small group workshops, for people with chronic disease and their caregivers, are offered in community settings and online. The programs are facilitated by program providers with their own health challenges. Our programs are highly interactive, focusing on building skills, sharing experiences, and support.
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
The vision of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence is to create a center of excellence to ensure the independence, safety, and well-being of older persons through fall prevention. The mission of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence is to provide program providership, create new knowledge, and develop sustainable programs for seniors and their families, professionals, program administrators, and policy makers. The Center seeks to better understand and identify causes of falls and develop effective interventions at individual, program and systems levels.
Fit and Strong!
Fit & Strong! is an award-winning, multi-component, evidence-based physical activity program for older adults. This eight-week program targets older adults with osteoarthritis and has demonstrated significant functional and physical activity improvements in this population.
National Council On Aging
Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons and increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations. NCOA is a 501(c)3 organization located in Washington, DC.
At the heart of NCOA is a national network of more than 14,000 organizations and program providers that work with us to achieve our mission. NCOA’s 3,800 members include senior centers, area agencies on aging, adult day service centers, and faith-based service organizations, senior housing facilities, employment services, consumer groups and program providers from academia, and business.
National Institute on Aging Information Center
A number of publications are available on healthy aging at the National Institute on Aging’s Information Center site. Including:
Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging. This booklet has strength, balance, and stretching exercises you can do at home.
Exercise: A Video from the National Institute on Aging. A 48-minute exercise video/DVD is available for a nominal fee. The National Institute on Aging also publishes a collection of fact sheets, called “AgePages,” that offer practical advice on health related topics (including falls) for older adults.
National Institute on Senior Health
This website has health information for older adults, including information about exercise and physical activity. There are also special features that make it simple to use. For example, you can click on a button to have the text read out loud or to make the type larger.
The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance
The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA) is a broad coalition of public health program providers and stakeholders committed to elevating Osteoarthritis as a national health priority and promoting effective policy solutions that aim to address the individual and national toll of Osteoarthritis. OAAA is housed at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. OAAA supports various evidence-based programs, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Fit & Strong, and Walk With Ease. Program providers can find resources for implementing Walk With Ease on the OAAA community partner page: http://oaaction.unc.edu/resource-library/for-community-partners/.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program is an evidence-based education program offering a unique combination of elements. The scripted curriculum and the intricately detailed training material, have guaranteed its consistency and quality. The program utilizes a train-the-trainer method of dissemination.
The 6-week scripted curriculum has been shown to improve:
- Self-Care Behaviors: (e.g. increased exercise, relaxation and medical check-ups)
- Management of Emotions: (reduced guilt, anger, and depression)
- Self-Efficacy: (increased confidence in coping with caregiving demands)
- Use of Community Resources: (increased utilization of local services)