For Greene County News

XENIA – Greene County seniors have a new educational support system through Greene Memorial Hospital and Soin Medical Center’s Years Ahead Program.

Years Ahead is a membership program for people age 50 and older. The program provides wellness information, educational programs, and health screenings to its members. The workshops and events are geared to help its members stay active in order to make mature years an adventure in good health.

“I’m really excited to bring this program to Greene County seniors,” said Community Relations Coordinator Donna Saraga, Greene Memorial Hospital/Soin Medical Center. “This program has been offered throughout the network, we have now expanded to Greene County’s hospitals.”

The program features a regular senior lecture series, which rotates throughout the Kettering Health Network facilities,

emphasizing the latest health information.

“We want to provide our members with educational programs and presentations by doctors and professionals that really are helpful for their lives,” said Kettering Health Network Community Outreach Program Coordinator Tonya Chambers.

Chambers doesn’t just manage the program in Greene County, but has first-hand knowledge just how beneficial this program is for seniors.

“My mother became a little less active as she’s aged,” said Tonya Chambers. “I encouraged her to join the program. I knew it was a nice way to give her a calendar of social events and indirectly get her new health information she may sometimes be afraid to ask about. She loves it.”

In addition to the educational aspect of the program it also provides seniors with comradery – interaction with others their age – giving them a support structure. Just for that purpose, the program has developed a breakfast group that meets monthly at Greene Memorial and Soin Medical Center. Members may come to either one.

Because many seniors are working well into their 60s and beyond, and caring for their elderly parents, Chambers and Saraga believe that another important aspect of the program is that the program can provide the caregivers with help and support as well.

“We encourage members to join and come as a family and learn more how to take care of each other,” added Saraga.

Years Ahead senior membership program is a minimal annual fee of $10 per person. To become a member of the Years Ahead Program in Greene County call 937-558-3988 or go to www.ketteringhealth.org/communityoutreach/seniors.cfm.

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Story courtesy of The Greene Medical Foundation – Greene Memorial Hospital and Soin Medical Center hospital within Kettering Health Network.