Join us for a wellness-focused virtual series for older adults, made possible through the collaboration of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU and the Portage Senior Center. Beginning March 24, each week will cover a different wellness topic for six weeks. Information on each session is below.
March 24
Wellness on Wednesdays is presented in collaboration with the Portage Senior Center.
Emotional Wellness
Wednesday, March 24 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
Feelings are the lens through which people view the world, and the ability to be aware of and direct one’s feelings helps to create balance in life. Coping with challenges and behaving in trustworthy and respectful ways signal emotional wellness, attributes that can be encouraged through peer counseling, stress management, humor/laughter and personal histories.
Join us as our presenter Nancy King of COPE Network talks us through how to bolster our Emotional Wellness.
Intellectual and Cognitive Wellness
Wednesday, March 31 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
Engaging in creative pursuits and intellectually stimulating activities is a proven approach to keeping minds alert and interested. There are many ways to stay intellectually active, including taking college courses, journaling, painting or joining a theater company, and challenging oneself with games and puzzles.
Join us as our presenter Dr. Daniel J. Brauner of WMed talks us through how to bolster our Cognitive Wellness.
Physical Wellness
Wednesday, April 7 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
The goal of living independently is one shared by many people, and physical wellness is necessary to achieve this. Lifestyle choices that can maintain or improve health and functional ability include engaging in physical activity, choosing healthy foods with adequate nutrition, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking, making appointments for check-ups and following medical recommendations.
Join us as our presenter Ellen Hector, owner of Mindset PT, talks us through how to bolster our Physical Wellness.
Professional and Vocational Wellness
Wednesday, April 14 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
Work that utilizes a person's skills while providing personal satisfaction is valuable for society as well as the individual. Participating in the paid and unpaid workforce means maintaining or improving skills, and helping others. Older adults contribute to society as experienced professionals, caregiver, mentors, teachers and volunteers. Leisure-time vocations in the arts and through hobbies maintain vocational skills.
Join us as our presenter Chiquita Elmore-Barbee talks us through how to bolster our Vocational Wellness.
Spiritual Wellness
Wednesday, April 28 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
Spiritual Wellness means living with meaning and purpose in life, guided by personal values. This is key to feelings of well-being and connection to the larger world. Group and individual faith-based activities, personal meditation, mindful exercise (yoga, tai chi) and experiencing nature can create the opportunity for spiritual growth.
For this special Spiritual Wellness presentation, participants will explore the world of Meditative Doodling. This playful approach to mindfulness and relaxation shares the meditative power of doodling by connecting emotions, shapes and colors.
Participants will be guided through shape and color combinations to achieve a personally insightful work of art.
Note: Participants will want to have paper, colored pencils and/or colored markers. Please contact the Portage Senior Center if you need assistance with supplies.
Presenter: Monica Harris, Creative Doodling
Social Wellness
Wednesday, April 21 ● 3 - 4:30 p.m. ● Online via Zoom
Social interactions with family, friends, neighbors and chosen peer groups can be valuable for maintaining health. Personal contact by joining clubs, traveling, visiting friends and family, engaging in intergenerational experiences like making quilts with a elementary school children is beneficial for everyone who it touched.
Join us as our presenter Stacy Jackson talks us through how to bolster our Social Wellness.
Register via Zoom