SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — If you are a senior with a chronic condition, you are not alone. Four out of every five adults over the age of 60 have at least one chronic disease, and nearly as many have two or more. Chronic diseases cause almost two-thirds of all deaths among seniors each year. Fortunately, free programs are available locally for people with chronic illnesses to take charge of their health.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) online workshops for individuals living in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Desoto, and Sarasota counties. A link to the online class (using Zoom) will be provided to participants after they have registered. A trainer is also available to meet with participants virtually and provide instructions on how to join us prior to the first class.

Adults over the age of 60 and adults with disabilities who have one or more chronic conditions are encouraged to participate. Common chronic conditions include (but are not limited to) heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, obesity, and chronic pain.

The CDSMP is an evidence-based program designed to help older adults and adults with disabilities to make a step-by-step plan for improving their health and their lives. The program was developed at Stanford University and is offered across the United States and in 29 countries. More than 300,000 people have benefited from the CDSMP.

Research has found that people who complete the CDSMP feel healthier and have a better quality of life after completing the program. They report fewer sick days and increase their ability to manage symptoms like pain, stress, breathing problems, and sleep issues. Participants also develop a support network of others who live with ongoing health conditions.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, contact Sarah Gualco, AAASWFL’s Health & Wellness Coordinator at sarah.gualco@aaaswfl.org or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 866-413-5337 (41-ELDER).

Funding for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is provided by a grant from the US Administration for Community Living through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.