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AARP AARP States New Jersey

AARP New Jersey Goes Virtual

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At AARP, we have been promoting the health and well-being of older Americans for more than 60 years. Our top priority is the health and well-being of staff, volunteers, members and the community at large.

After closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and taking precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health agencies, AARP has canceled all in-person events until further notice. AARP New Jersey quickly pivoted to provide virtual opportunities to members and the general public.

First, AARP New Jersey hosted a timely and informative webinar on mental health, “Coping with the Unknown: Building Resiliency in Uncertain Times.” The webinar focused on common feelings and concerns during the pandemic and discussed the feeling of having little or no control over what is happening, the concern that comes from having little past experience to rely on, and the implications for personal and family safety. The presenter shared tips on how to boost resilience, such as limiting negative thinking, eating on time, getting eight hours of sleep, showing gratitude, and engaging with others. AARP New Jersey volunteer, Lilyan Cralle, wrote to the presenter, “As an 80-year-old widow living alone with no relatives nearby, coping with the current pandemic has been challenging. I can't tell you how much I needed to hear what you had to say!” You can find a recording of the webinar here.

AARP New Jersey participated in and invited New Jerseyans to join New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s webinar, “Telehealth Visit Best Practices for Caregivers and Older Adults,” which featured Dr. Mary Campagnolo, a family physician and geriatrician. The webinar also featured AARP New Jersey’s Crystal McDonald, who provided an overview of telehealth policies that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a discussion on recent efforts to expand telehealth services in New Jersey. You can find a recording of the webinar here.

AARP New Jersey also provided virtual, free yoga and Zumba classes in June! These virtual yoga and Zumba classes allowed participants to have fun and get active in the comfort of their home. The instructor for “gentle chair yoga” led participants through postures while using a chair for support. The instructor for the beginner/intermediate Vinyasa Flow yoga led participants through linking breath to movement, and provided modifications that accommodated each individual’s experience level. The benefits of this practice include increased balance, flexibility, strength, and reduced stress. AARP New Jersey also provided two Zumba Gold classes. In these one-hour, virtual classes, the Zumba instructor led participants through a low-impact, modified, easy-to-follow version of the wildly popular, Latin-inspired Zumba dance fitness workout. Participants had fun moving to international rhythms while standing or following moves from their chair.

AARP New Jersey is planning more virtual opportunities and webinars for 2020, so stay tuned for more information!

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