The Institute for Older Adults

Retirement can be wonderful time to do all the things we never get around to doing when we are working. Oddly enough, retirees often are in a quandary when faced with time of their own. Being bored is not an option; it is a challenge.

Since its origin in 1875 Isabella has always demonstrated keen interest in community service and outreach. In 1994 the late Edward J. Mc Fadden, CEO of Isabella, established the Institute for Older Adults to give area residents opportunities to be involved in activities that addressed physical, mental and emotional health. Age alone does not define abilities and needs and the programming of the Institute reflects this thinking.

The Institute serves as the umbrella organization for community programs that promote health and wellness. Members of the 50+ Club, one of the programs, have a variety of activities from which to choose. Walking through the grounds in the early morning, one can observe participants in the very popular “Walking Works Wonders” exercises under the guidance of coach Nick Badera.

In October the annual Health Fair attracted over 300 visitors. Many area agencies and hospitals offered an abundance of resource material. Participants availed themselves of blood pressure, glucose, depression and anxiety, podiatric, and peripheral arterial disease screenings. Along with these services, information about finances, transportation, volunteering, and diabetes by the over 50 local agencies attending the Fair provide an abundance of useful material.

The workshops and seminars offered periodically are another source of valuable information. In December a seminar focused on coping with cancer presented by Dr. Marlena Vega—herself a survivor. According to the Institute’ s Coordinator, Marilyn Pacheco, who arranges the various presentations, in this important topic Dr. Vega provided motivating hope to displace the anxiety that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. The seminars offer topics of current interest.

Connecting with people is an important outcome offered by Isabella’s Institute for Older Adults. Whether it be an outing to the Poconos, a conference or the bi-weekly support group, getting together with other people fills the need for positive social interaction from which we all benefit.

For more information contact Marilyn Pacheco at 212-342-9224