As more Americans enter their senior years and life expectancies reach record highs, it is more important than ever for seniors to focus on their health and wellbeing. It is critical they recognize the life choices they make and their behaviors can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
The WISE Program is a 6-week, evidence based program. In covering a rang of topics from stress management and strategies for healthy living to medication management and prescription drug abuse, WISE uses an interactive approach to help seniors celebrate aging, make positive lifestyle choices, and feel more confident and in control of their lives.
The New Jersey Prevention Network developed the WISE program, recognizing the unique needs and perspectives of seniors. WISE has been recognized as an evidencebased prevention program by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and Aging and Disability Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (ADEPP).
The WISE Program Includes 6 Lessons:
Lesson 1: Understanding the Changes Associated with Aging
- Better understanding of facts and myths of aging.
- Enhanced knowledge of what places individuals at risk for premature death.
- Heighted awareness of the risk of depression among seniors.
Lesson 2: Aging Sensitivity
- Greater insight into our own feelings about aging.
- Heightened awareness of the advantages of growing older.
Lesson 3: Valuing Cultural and Generational Diversity
- Expanded understanding of the concepts of culture and diversity.
- Better understanding of the diversity of seniors and the unique needs of different types of seniors.
Lesson 4: Medication and the Older Adult
- Increased awareness of the prevalence of medication use among older adults.
- Improved ability to relate critical information to health care providers.
Lesson 5: Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Older Adults
- Expanded knowledge of the effects of alcohol and other drugs use and misuse.
- Improved ability to identify factors that place seniors at risk for substance misuse.
Lesson 6: An Enhance Quality of Life
- Greater familiarity with strategies and values for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.