Senior citizens who want to feel empowered by the aging process can attend the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) program at the Mt. Laurel Community Center, 100 Mt. Laurel Road, behind the police station.
The program begins Wednesday, June 13 and spans through five of the next six Wednesdays: June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18 and July 25. (No program on Wednesday, July 4).
It’s open to any senior citizen 60 or older in Burlington County, and pre-registration is necessary. There is no cost to attend. The class will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.
“The program is through Prevention Plus and our Mt. Laurel Municipal Alliance has agreed to integrate into our outreach for the senior community,” said recreation director Alissa Mingin.
Prevention Plus of Burlington County’s goal is to promote healthy, safe and drug-free lifestyles.
According to www.prevplus.org, “Prevention Plus educates the community that addiction is a disease that is both preventable and treatable, and offers programs designed to equip children, youth and adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices.”
WISE, a spin-off to the overall mission, will be fun, positive and enjoyable for senior citizens, while touching on some key topics such as prescription drug use, health and fitness and how to ease stress.
“She’s going to touch on what to avoid to stay healthy,” said Mingin of class leader Daniella Pierre.
The course will be held in an informal setting, with attendees sitting in a circle.
To get the giveaways such as VISA gift cards, the senior citizens must come to every 90-minute session, said Mingin.
“It helps them better their life,” she said. “It’s actually fun.”
In many ways, it’s a celebration of aging.
“They can always learn something,” she said, and everyone can benefit from taking the class.
Even better, it’s being held right after morning aerobics finish, Mingin said, so attendees don’t even have to leave the building all morning.
Plus, refreshments will be served.
Another program will be running in the fall for seniors unable to attend during the summer.
For more details, or for information on attending, contact Alissa Mingin at (856) 234–0001, ext. 1221.
