VIDA’s Health Promotion services are designed to help abuelitos age independently, in their own homes, and maintain an active presence in their community.

 The foundation of Vida’s Health Promotion program is teaching abuelitos to know the risk factors of illnesses, especially chronic illnesses. To this end, we offer workshops and group and individual counseling focused specifically on preventing and/or mitigating chronic disease, increasing mobility and preventing falls, as well as management of medication and mental health conditions.

During Vida’s information campaigns, which run several weeks during the year, staff and community speakers deliver talks on topics such as the management of diabetes and hypertension, breast cancer risks, and the prevention of chronic illnesses for which the Latino population is particularly at risk.

When an abuelito first comes to the program, the Wellness Program Manager conducts an assessment to learn about the abuelito’s medical conditions, any loss of function, and their social and psychological states of health. From this assessment, an individualized action plan is created to orient other staff about the specific medical needs of the abuelito and to tailor Vida services to those needs.

Finally, a signature component of Vida’s Health Promotion program is the Promotores de Salud program. Vida abuelitos receive in-house training to become health promoters themselves so that they can give health talks at churches and other parts of the community, as well as at Vida Senior Centers.