By Jennifer Nixon

Remaining active is the key to wellbeing and independence, especially as our bodies age.

Being active does not just mean taking an aerobics class three times a week, but includes physical, mental and social activities. The 50 Plus Department with Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers a variety of unique opportunities for older adults to live and age well.

50 Plus has reignited its partnership this summer with the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office to offer special interest and enrichment programs. We are excited to bring the community additional opportunities to learn and approve upon their health.

Developing Healthy Habits will be happening at 10 a.m. May 15 at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park. Learn how to create new and sustainable goals, habits and routines around nutrition, physical activity, stress management and sleep so you can reach your health goals. This 90-minute program is $5 for Johnson County residents and $6 for nonresidents.

At 9 a.m. June 13, the Your Valuable Records program at Matt Ross will provide information on how to record, keep track, safely store and organize paperwork and documents important in daily life, emergencies, financial caregiving or estate planning. This 90-minute program is $5 for Johnson County residents and $6 for nonresidents.

Do you want to learn more about managing or preventing type 2 diabetes for yourself or loved ones? The Dining with Diabetes program is designed to help you make simple and lasting changes to live a healthier lifestyle in the kitchen or while dining out. The program with four two hour classes starts at 2 p.m. June 20 at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village. Cost is $35 for Johnson County residents and $39 for nonresidents.

Other programs in partnership with the Extension Office this summer include:

• Cooking Basics for 1, learn how to plan, prepare, read a recipe and make modifications when cooking for just one. This program will be hosted virtually.
• Wits Workout, participants will take in activities designed to exercise the brain to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory. Each session will consist of a short educational activity on memory, brain health or wellness.
• Enjoy a few new ways to talk about finances with Money Habitudes. Engage in financial discussions and have insight into what motivates and triggers financial behavior.

For more information about upcoming 50 Plus programs or to register online, visit the special interest page at jcprd.com/50plus or call 913-831-3355.

Jennifer Nixon is recreation coordinator at the 50 Plus Department.