Health and Wellness Programs

The Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) offers screenings and health education presentations emphasizing wellness and disease prevention at senior centers throughout the County. Online registration for evidence-based programs is available through the OPAL Center. Some programs are federally-funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act. 

Watch the "Evidence of Health" video to learn more about our evidence-based programs.

SUBMIT A PROGRAM INTEREST FORM

To learn more about some of the programs featured on this page, submit the interest form below.

Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
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Select which programs you are interested in learning more about:

ON THE MOVE 

This is a group-based exercise program for older adults designed to target the timing and coordination of walking. The program challenges the brain to match the timing and sequences of your movements with your posture to improve the smoothness and efficiency of walking. To achieve this "better walking," this program utilizes a variety of progressive stepping and walking patterns.

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $25 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are one hour, twice a week for 12 weeks.
Registration: For more information, email Carolyn Cook at ccook@atbatimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-2320.

MIND OVER MATTER 

A program that helps older women build the skills and confidence they need to avoid and improve symptoms of incontinence.

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are two hours, once a week for three weeks.
Registration: For more information, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423.

DEALING WITH DEMENTIA—ONLINE

Dealing with Dementia is a free, educational support program for caregivers of people living with dementia that includes a four-hour workshop in a classroom setting for either family or professional caregivers of people living with dementia and the 300-page Dealing with Dementia Guidebook. This workshop will be held virtually; internet access and technology required. Topics will include:

  • Understanding dementia
  • Effectively using the Dealing with Dementia Guidebook to discover answers when you need them
  • Managing problem behaviors
  • Handling stress
  • Finding time for you
  • Increasing self-care
  • Being bolder in your caregiving

Cost: Workshop and 300-page guidebook are free. Seating is limited to 14.
Registration: For more information, email caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-4724.

BINGOCIZE

Bingocize is an evidence-based program that combines a bingo-like game with exercise and health education. The goals of the program are to help older adults:

  • Improve or maintain mobility and independence
  • Learn and use information focused on fall reduction and other health-related behaviors
  • Socially engage with other older adults

There must be eight participants interested and pre-registered to hold a class, once we have met the minimum requirement we will set up a date and time.

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Registration:  For more information, email Marsha Kaplan at mkaplan@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-1245.

ENHANCEFITNESS

An EnhanceFitness-certified instructor, trained to bring out the physical best from older adults, will safely lead a class through an hour of dynamic exercises at a pace that’s right for the participants. A participant's progress can be tracked with fitness checks completed at the time the individual joins EnhanceFitness, again at four months, and then as often as needed. Each class may include up to 25 participants and classes do not require any special or expensive equipment. Depending on the class, participants may either be among peers of their own fitness level or in a group of various fitness levels ranging from frail to fit. Sessions include:

  • A five-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
  • A 20-minute aerobics workout or a 20-minute walking workout to lively music that gets participants moving
  • A five-minute cool-down
  • A 20-minute strength training workout with soft ankle and wrist weights (from zero to 20 pounds)
  • A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
  • Balance exercises throughout the class
  • An opportunity for participants to make new friends and acquaintances

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $35 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are one hour, three times a week for 12 weeks.
Locations: Bykota Senior Center, Parkville Senior Center, Rosedale Senior Center and Seven Oaks Senior Center hybrid.
Registration: For more information, contact Carolyn Cook at ccook@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-1947.

FIT AND STRONG

Fit and Strong! is an award-winning, multi-component, evidence-based physical activity program for older adults. This eight-week program targets older adults with osteoarthritis and has demonstrated significant functional and physical activity improvements in this population. 

  • Gain a clear understanding of what osteoarthritis is and how physical activity that is tailored to the needs of persons with arthritis can help them manage arthritis symptoms.
  • Learn to perform safe stretching, balance, aerobic and strengthening, exercises which gradually increase in frequency, duration and intensity over time.
  • Incorporate physical activity into their lifestyles by exercising three times per week for one hour.
  • Reduce arthritis symptoms.
  • Develop individualized, tailored, multiple component physical activity programs that are sustainable after the program ends.
  • Maintain independent functioning.

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $35 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are 1.5 hours, twice a week for 12 weeks. Not available online at this time.
Registration: Contact Carolyn Cook at ccook@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-1947.

GERI-FIT

This workout class is done with DVD videos that accommodate all fitness levels and modifications of the exercises will be demonstrated so that everyone will be able to participate. Self-pacing is encouraged at all times. Participants bring their own weights and stretch band to class.

Cost: Free. This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. 
Duration: Classes are one hour, twice a week; ongoing.
Locations: Offered at most BCDA senior centers
Registration: For more information, email Carolyn Cook at ccook@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-1947.

HEALTHY EATING FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING WORKSHOP

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults is a nutrition program for diverse community-dwelling adults age 60 and older. The goal of healthy eating is to increase self-efficacy and general well-being by improving knowledge of nutritional choices that focus on heart- and bone-healthy foods, as well as supportive physical activities. Goal-setting, problem-solving and self-monitoring are used to optimize individual behavior change.

Duration: In person, six-week workshop meets once a week for two hours. 
Registration: For more information, email Stephanie Rigsby at srigsby@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3052.

MOVE WITH BALANCE

Move With Balance activities and exercises are focused on improving balance and brain function. The payoffs include increased coordination, sharper cognitive skills, better vision and enhanced self-confidence. Class size is limited and registration is required. This workshop will be held virtually, internet access and technology required.

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: One-hour workshops meet twice a week for 12 weeks.
Registration: For more information email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423.

STEPPING ON: FALL PREVENTION EDUCATION

Stepping On empowers older adults to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls, improve self-management and increase the quality of life. Instruction includes lectures, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, exercise participation, small group discussions and games. This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The program includes educational sessions on:

  • Balance
  • Feet and footwear
  • Home and community safety
  • Managing health and medication
  • Risk factors, fall risk assessments and recommendations
  • Staying active
  • Malnutrition and falls

Cost: Free. This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program. Space is limited for these workshops—pre-registration is required. 
Duration: Seven weeks plus orientation
Registration: For more information email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423.

Watch the National Council on Aging's video "You Have the Power to Prevent a Fall."

TAI CHI QUAN: MOVE FOR BETTER BALANCE

Tai Chi for Better Balance is a program that empowers adults 60 years and older to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls. Classes are highly interactive, where mutual support and success build the participants' confidence in their ability to maintain active and fulfilling lives, while improving:

  • Balance, strength and physical performance
  • Postural stability and walking
  • Self-management and quality of life

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $25 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Two days a week for 12 weeks
Locations: Arbutus, Cockeysville, Edgemere, Liberty, Overlea-Fullerton, Reisterstown, Rosedale and Victory Villa.
Registration: Space is limited for these workshops; pre-registration is required. To register, contact the senior centers directly.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH: LIVING WELL—ONLINE

These free, six-week workshops are modeled after the Self-Management Resource Center's Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSMP), Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP). These workshops will be held virtually, internet access and technology required. These programs are partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965.

BUILDING BETTER CAREGIVERS

  • Caregiver Stress
  • Dealing with Difficult Care Partners Behaviors
  • Getting Help
  • Making Decisions about Treatment, Housing, etc.
  • Communicating Effectively with Family, Friends and Healthcare professionals
  • Dealing with Caregiver and Care partner Difficult Emotions
  • Planning for Future Needs
  • Legal Issues Related to Caregiving
  • Action Planning and Problem Solving

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are 2.5 hours, once a week for six weeks.
Location: Online
Registration: Online registration available. For more information, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423. Space is limited for these workshops; pre-registration is required. 

CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CDSMP)

  • Medications
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Frustration
  • Healthcare communication
  • Future planning
  • Relaxation methods

Registration: For more information, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423.
Duration: Classes are 2.5 hours, once a week for six weeks.
Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (DSMP)

  • Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
  • Stress and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are 2.5 hours, once a week for six weeks.
Registration: For more information or to register, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423. Space is limited for these workshops; pre-registration is required. 

CHRONIC PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CPSMP)

  • Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep
  • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance
  • Appropriate use of medications
  • Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals
  • Nutrition
  • Pacing activity and rest
  • How to evaluate new treatments

Cost: This program is partially funded under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $15 at the time of registration, to ensure the viability of the program.
Duration: Classes are 2.5 hours, once a week for six weeks.
Registration: Online registration available. For more information, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3423. Space is limited for these workshops; pre-registration is required.