About OAI's Health promotion and nutrition services

The Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) offers a wide range of services to promote healthy aging, improve the health and quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities.

Healthy aging options include exercise and fitness classes, nutrition education and congregate meals at 50+ centers and evidence-based programs for those with one or more chronic conditions.

 

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Nutrition Services

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Nutrition Consultation

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Free one-on-one nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian are offered at Howard County 50+ Centers by appointment. During each half-hour appointment, individuals will learn to:

  • Develop healthy eating patterns and lifestyle changes
  • Learn how to manage the nutritional aspect of diseases and chronic conditions
  • Set personal goals

Appointments are offered at Howard County 50+ Centers and virtually by appointment. Register online below or by contacting a 50+ Center.

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Congregate Meals

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The congregate meal program is offered at all 50+ Centers. The lunch schedule can be viewed on the Let’s Do Lunch flier. Howard County residents aged 60 and over and their spouses of any age are eligible to participate in this program and are asked to make a voluntary, confidential donation. Those who are under 60 years of age may also participate by purchasing a meal ticket at the 50+ Center front desk.

Congregate meals allow older adults to enjoy a well-balanced meal in a group setting, offering the opportunity for social engagement. All of the Howard County 50+ Centers serve meals that have been planned and approved by a registered dietitian.

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Home Delivered Meals

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Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc. is an organization that provides two nutritious meals daily, up to five days a week, to homebound individuals. Meals are delivered by volunteers and meet two-thirds of the nutrition adults need each day.

Contributions toward the cost of the meals are determined on a sliding scale. Subsidies through the Howard County's Office on Aging & Independence may be available to qualified older adults who cannot afford the full cost of receiving home-delivered meals.

For more information or to apply, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).

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The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program

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The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP):

  • Provides fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers' markets to low-income older adults
  • Develops new farmers' markets across the state
  • Provides nutrition education

Eligibility for SFMNP include:

  • Low-income seniors (household incomes of not more than 185% of the Federal poverty income guidelines)
  • Individuals at least 60 years old

Each summer, vouchers are distributed to eligible Howard County residents to purchase fresh, locally grown produce at Farmers' Markets in Maryland

 

*2023 Registration information coming soon*

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Nutritional Video Library

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Click below to view nutritional videos and recommended recipes.

Exercise Resources

The Office on Aging & Independence offers innovative, accessible, and affordable programs and services at 50+ centers and other community locations; sponsors special events throughout the year.

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Exercise

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Cycle2Health

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Cycle2Health is a non-competitive, peer-led, bicycling club for adults of all ages and riding abilities.

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Go 50+ Fitness Packages

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Our Go50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives, works, and plays in Howard County.

Live longer, healthier lives...join today!

50+ Centers
Membership includes access to Gary J. Arthur, Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center and North Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers, including game room areas, gymnasiums, walking tracks, and wellness programs.

Go50+ Fitness
Membership includes all 50+ Center benefits, plus fitness rooms and dance/aerobics studios, where available. Resident cost: $75 per year. Non-resident cost $100 per year.

Go50+ Pool
All Go50+Fitness benefits, plus pool access during open swim hours. Resident cost: $175 per year. Non resident cost: $225 per year.

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Exercise Classes for Older Adults with Chronic Conditions

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The Office on Aging & Independence offers classes for older adults with Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and a history of stroke or balance limitations. In-person and virtual exercise classes may help to improve mobility and reduce fall risks associated with chronic conditions. To learn more or to register, contact Rachel Filar at [email protected] or call 410-313-6073 (voice/relay).

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Exercise Consultations

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Schedule a one-on-one consultation with the Exercise Specialist to create an individualized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and interests. Cost: $15 per 30-minute session.

Exercise consultations are currently on hold.  For more information, contact Rachel Filar at 410-313-6073 or email [email protected]

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Bain & Ellicott City Group Exercise Pass

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Choose from a variety of group exercise classes, all for one monthly or quarterly fee. Pass can be used at both the Bain 50+ and
Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Centers. View the full schedule or contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410-313-7394 or [email protected] for more information.

Health Promotion Services

Health Promotion programs offered include innovative, accessible, and affordable programs as well as evidence-based programming. 

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Health Promotion Programs

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Stepping Up Your Nutrition

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Stepping Up Your Nutrition is a 2.5 hour malnutrition risk/food insecurity workshop for older adults. Participants learn about the strong correlation between nutrition status, muscle strength, and fall risk. Topics covered include the importance of protein and fluids on nutrition, recommended daily allowance, and how to set goals for behavior change to improve nutritional status and muscle health. For more information, please contact Rachel Filar at 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) or [email protected].

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Stepping On

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An evidenced-based fall prevention program designed to reduce falls and increase confidence, strength, and balance. The program meets for two hours, one day a week for seven weeks.

Topics covered include:

  • Falls and Risks
  • Safe Footwear
  • Review of Medications
  • Home Hazards and Vision
  • Strength and Balance Exercises

For more information about Stepping On, contact Rachel Filar at 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) or via [email protected].

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Living Well: Take Charge of Your Health

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Are You Living Well? A variety of trusted programs are available to help individuals 18 and over take charge of their health. These free 6-week programs help participants learn how to manage their everyday health, feel better, be in control, and do the things they want to do. These programs are available in multiple languages, and for specific conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and cancer. These programs are also encouraged for caretakers of individuals with chronic conditions.  Contact Heather Sites at 410-313-3507 or email [email protected] to learn about the multiple opportunities near you.

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Living Well with Hypertension

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Living Well with Hypertension is an interactive workshop designed for those with high blood pressure or hypertension, and meets once for 2.5 hours. Lay leaders address topics such as medication management, high blood pressure risk factors, nutrition and food label guidance and sodium content in common foods. If you are interested in attending a Living Well with Hypertension workshop, Contact Jen Lee at 410-313-5940 (voice/relay).

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SeniorsTogether

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The SeniorsTogether peer outreach program encourages interaction among older adult peers with the goal of promoting a positive outlook, creating social networks, and supporting a thriving aging process.

The SeniorsTogether discussion groups are a safe, confidential place for sharing ideas and issues, finding resources, and staying stimulated.  All groups are led by a peer facilitator who guides the discussion.  Other activities include luncheons, speaker engagements, and workshops.  All SeniorsTogether activities are developed with sensitivity to sensory and mobility issues.

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