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Building Healthy Habits- Introducing Active Living Every Day

Has the shutdown got you down? Has the pandemic removed all motivation to move? Got you stuck in a rut… or stuck on the couch?  Then we have the program for you. 

Adding to our suite of evidence-based programs, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is offering a new program: Active Living Every Day (ALED). 

Whether you are a caregiver or older adult, the Active Living Every Day program can be a wonderful resource for helping you incorporate physical activity and healthy behaviors into your lifestyle. The 12-week virtual Active Living Every Day program is, in fact, NOT an exercise program, but instead focuses on goal setting, habit-building, and peer support in an hour-long class each week.

The new session of Active Living Every Day will be held virtually via Zoom and begin on Wednesday, June 23. Classes will take place once a week on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 pm through Wednesday, September 8. The ALED program is based on ground-breaking research that has resulted in two important discoveries about physical activity. 

  1. Physical activity need not be strenuous or time-consuming to benefit health. Accumulating 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (e.g. a brisk walk), 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity each week can improve health. 
  2. You are more likely to become and stay physically active when you learn appropriate lifestyle skills.

During the one-hour weekly sessions, you’ll learn how to overcome your own barriers to physical activities, set realistic goals, and stay motivated. Active Living Every Day will show you simple ways to fit physical activity into your daily life. Classes are practical and personalized. In fact, no physical activity takes place during the online class; participants instead focus on discussion and lecture-based learning. Facilitators Jillian and Julie understand that you have a variety of commitments and that everyone’s situation is unique. In ALED you will discover ways to become active that work for you.

Join Active Living Every Day!
This upcoming 12-week session will take place Wednesdays, June 23 – September 8, 2021 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm via Zoom. Cost: $35 for 12 weeks. This includes the Active Living Every Day book and ALED online access. Questions? Email: healthyaging@aaawm.org or call (616) 588-2580.

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s Eaglecrest Healthy Aging is a department dedicated to bringing healthy aging programs to older adults. If you desire a welcoming atmosphere surrounded by your peers and programs that are focused on YOU, then check out our schedule of classes at www.aaawm.org/HA

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