The CCBA (Carter Community Building Association) and Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) have partnered to offer Aging Well, a free series designed to help older adults take charge of their health. The program covers important topics like mental health, nutrition, and movement, supporting APD’s mission to improve community well-being.
The series kicked off on February 27 with a session on Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, and lifestyle management. Leading the discussion were staff from the Diabetes Clinic at APD – Joanne Hayes, APRN, CDCES, BC-ADM, and Katie Nordman, RN, CDCES and Joanna Graber, RD, LD, from CCBA.
Understanding Diabetes and Lifestyle Management
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that changes how the body handles blood sugar. Management of diabetes changes over time – in response to other medical conditions, social situations, and goals of care. Nearly 49 percent of adults in the U.S. have diabetes or prediabetes, according to the CDC. A key part of managing diabetes is focusing on healthy habits, like eating well and staying active.
A key takeaway from the session was shifting how people think about diabetes, focusing on empowerment instead of blame. “Diabetes is complex, but it’s manageable. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet. It’s about balance, variety, and making choices that work for you,” said Joanne Hayes, APRN, CDCES, BC-ADM.
“By partnering with community organizations like CCBA and listening to people with lived experience, we hope to improve this program's impact by better identifying local resources that support self-management,” said Beth O’Donnell, MPH, APD director of community health.
Building a Healthy Routine
The presenters shared simple strategies for managing diabetes:
- Using the Healthy Plate Model - Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter with carbohydrates, and one-quarter with protein. Choose water or a zero-calorie drink.
- Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week and two to three strength-training sessions lasting about 20 minutes each.
To help people stay active, CCBA offers fitness classes for all ages and abilities. Options include:
- Fab, Fit, and Fun (aerobics)
- Bands and Burn (strength training)
- Aqua Fitness (cardio and strength in water)
- Tai Chi (balance and mobility)
Join Us for the Next Aging Well Session
The next session, Nutrition: "What Was I Supposed to Eat?", will be held on Thursday, March 27, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at CCBA, 1 Taylor St., Lebanon, NH.
To learn more about diabetes management, read Addressing the Complexities of Diabetes.
For details on upcoming Aging Well sessions, contact Beth O’Donnell, APD Director of Community Health, at odonnellb@apdmh.org.