Did You Know? African American older adults are about 80% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to white older adults (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
4 health concerns for African American older adults
- Heart disease and stroke: African American adults are 30% more likely to have high blood pressure (US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health). To avoid heart disease and stroke, consider eating food with low fat and exercising daily.
- Diabetes: About 12% of African American adults have diabetes (American Diabetes Association). Diabetes can be managed by eating less processed and fatty foods, exercising daily and regularly checking your blood pressure.
- Cancer: African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with breast, lung and colorectal cancers (CDC). Lower your risk of cancer by having a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, not smoking tobacco and staying up to date on vaccinations such as human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Depression: About 16% of African American people report having a mental illness - that's about 7 million people (Mental Health America). If you have depressive symptoms or thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider about support or counseling.
Living Well With Chronic Conditions
If you have a chronic condition such as hypertension, arthritis, lung disease, diabetes, depression or anxiety, you’re not alone. Eight out of ten older adults have one or more of these chronic conditions. Managing your chronic condition can improve your health and quality of life.
Participants in this six-week class make weekly action plans, share experiences and help each other solve problems as they carry out their plans. Topics include nutrition, exercise, medication use, pain management, emotions and communicating with medical providers.
February 21 - March 27
Wednesdays
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Online
Class Leaders: Lauren Pipkin and Danielle Hawkinson