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Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE)

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) is a curriculum-based health promotion program that aims to help older adults increase their knowledge and awareness of issues related to health and the aging process. Based on the health belief model of behavioral change, WISE provides older adults with the information and resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and become empowered in regard to both their health and the health care they receive. Program objectives include helping participants to (1) understand how lifestyle choices and behaviors impact health; (2) learn to use tools and feel empowered to manage health care, particularly regarding the use of medications; (3) understand the aging process and how it affects the metabolism of alcohol and medications; (4) develop an appreciation for cultural and generational diversity, including their own increasing age; and (5) recognize the early signs and symptoms of depression.

Goal / Mission

The WISE Program is a wellness and prevention program targeting older adults, which is designed to help them celebrate healthy aging, make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid substance abuse.

Results / Accomplishments

More than 84% of WISE Program participants made a behavior change within six weeks of beginning the WISE Program to promote a healthier lifestyle. Behavior changes included reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol, reducing or eliminating the use of tobacco products, using a pill box to organize medication, improving their diet, and exercising or increasing their amount of exercise.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
NJ Prevention Network
Primary Contact
Diane Litterer, CEO & Executive Director
NJ Prevention Network
30 Park Rd, Suite 2
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
732-367-0611
dianelitterer@njpn.org
https://www.njpn.org/about
Topics
Health
Education
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
NJ Prevention Network
Location
New Jersey
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults
Santa Cruz