Older Millcreek residents can still join a 10-week course covering sleep, exercise, finances, falls prevention and five other life-skill topics at the Millcreek Community Center.

The Aging Mastery Program began Thursday, Oct. 8, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 17, at the center, 2266 East Evergreen Ave. Guest experts lead each weekly session, tackling healthy eating, relationships, medication management and community engagement alongside the other topics.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) piloted the program in 2013 to give adults 50 and older a structured way to handle the practical challenges of longer lives. It has since reached more than 33,000 older adults at over 830 sites in 40 states, according to NCOA program documents. The program meets the Administration for Community Living's evidence-based definition, qualifying it for federal Older Americans Act funding.

This is not the first time the Millcreek center has hosted the course. A previous session ran from June 11 through Aug. 13, suggesting the center offers it on a recurring basis through Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services.

Unlike single-condition classes focused on arthritis exercise or chronic pain, the Aging Mastery Program covers a broad curriculum. Each weekly session tackles a different topic, with group discussion and peer support built into the format.

Dr. Susan Stiles, who helped design the program at NCOA, has described its philosophy as participant-driven. In a published interview, Stiles called the course "a starting point" focused on "looking inward and also sharing knowledge with others."

Nationally, 80% of participants complete at least seven of the 10 sessions. A 2016 study of 284 participants across 14 community organizations in New York found sustained improvements in physical activity and advance care planning, according to NCOA data.

The program is open to older adults. The Millcreek Senior Center, housed in the same building, is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free membership for adults 60 and older. Residents can call 385-468-3305 for information about the program or 385-468-3299 to register for Salt Lake County health promotion courses.

Upcoming at the Millcreek Community Center

  • Aging Mastery Program: Thursdays through Dec. 17, 2266 East Evergreen Ave. Call 385-468-3305 for details.