Assemblymember Nily Rozic visited the SelfHelp Fresh Meadows retirement community’s annual barbecue to celebrate a state grant that is facilitating one of their popular wellness programs.
The $50,000 in funding that the eastern Queens legislator secured helped create “Wellness Wednesdays,” which the older adults say they look forward to. It involves a visit from a nutritionist who shares insights about using food as a tool to fight chronic illness. The seniors can also raise questions and concerns in both groups and one-on-one meetings and leave with new health recipes.
Over 330 residents make up the community of adults over the age of 60 who receive supportive services but want to continue living at home comfortably. The Selfhelp Community Services Fresh Meadows NORC, which stands for Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, is located on 192nd Street and 67th Avenue in Fresh Meadows. It is one of dozens of SelfHelp facilities that offer services such as case management, health screenings and social services across the five boroughs.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is imperative for our older adults,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in a statement. “This grant provides social, nutritional and physical activities for the residents of Fresh Meadows and allows them to continue aging healthily in their homes. I am proud to continue to fund critical programs such as ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ and work in partnership with SelfHelp in providing resources and space for our seniors.”
The “Wellness Wednesdays” program also includes other components, such as exercise classes with an instructor to keep the seniors active and agile.
Katie Foley, Managing Director of External Affairs at Selfhelp Community Services, expressed gratitude to the Assemblywoman for the state grant and her ongoing support of the Fresh Meadows NORC.
“Her significant funding ensured that NORC members had access to consistent health and wellness resources, including the popular ‘Wellness Wednesday’ program, which included nutritionists, exercise classes and wellness programs. The program has brought older residents together to foster a healthier and more vibrant Fresh Meadows community,” said Foley.
One NORC member, who requested to be named with just her initials, shared the positive impact that the “Wellness Wednesdays” program has had on managing her health conditions.
“The Nutrition Class with Anna has provided valuable information with demonstrations of easy-to-implement changes that enhance your overall well-being,” said M.R, who has been meeting with the nutritionist one-on-one on a weekly basis since the program started.
Regularly meeting with a nutritionist has helped her lead a more wellness-oriented lifestyle with specific guidance on managing insulin resistance, hormone imbalance and weight loss.
“I look forward to this class every week because I learn something new each time and have been exposed to different types of healthy food choices and snacks that I would have never tried or thought of on my own,” said M.R.
She added that while the recommended nutritional changes appear to be small, they have been incredibly effective.
