AARP and YMCA to Partner on community-focused programming

AARP Delaware and  the YMCA of Delaware  announced today they will partner in Sussex County and the City of Wilmington to deliver health education and diabetes prevention, , aimed at improving the health and well-being of Delawareans age 50+ and their families.  The partnership is part of a national effort, whereby the two organizations will work together to reach to reach a variety of cultures and community sizes with information about health, isolation, and more.

In each local market, teams of AARP and YMCA staff and volunteers will engage residents and members in events and activities intended to help reduce social isolation, improve physical health, encourage wellness, and stimulate learning, among other initiatives.

"We believe it is a natural fit to work with this YMCA. They share our desire to make life better for Delawareans as they move into their next chapter of life." said Kimberly Iapalucci, AARP Communications Director. “We have fostered an ongoing partnership to educate Delawareans on a variety of issues aimed at empowering individuals age 50+ to have more choices about how they want to age.”

"AARP shares our commitment to strengthening communities, and this partnership will support the Y's efforts to help people of all ages live their healthiest lives," said Tricia Jefferson, Director of Healthy Living and Strategic Partnerships for the YMCA of Delaware."We're excited to get started and ensure great health among older Delawareans and their families."

The programming will begin in September with two kick off events, one at the Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth on Monday, September 18 and another at the Central YMCA in Wilmington on Sunday, September 24. The events will promote healthy eating, exercise, and social support to help participants in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program meet their goals, which is available at all YMCA locations in Delaware.

For information and updates, please call (insert AARP primary contact), Kat Luebke at the YMCA at (302) 572-9622 or visit www.aarp.org/de or www.ymcade.org.