Programs

Lunch & Learn: Ageism– An Intergenerational Perspective Featuring a Panelist Discussion

Friday, February 24 at 11:30 a.m. Wood County Senior Center

This discussion will focus on intergenerational ageism experiences. Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. Ageism affects everyone. Children as young as 4 years old become aware of their culture’s age stereotypes. From that age onwards they internalize and use these stereotypes to guide their feelings and behavior towards people of different ages. They also draw on culture’s age stereotypes to perceive and understand themselves, which can result in self-directed ageism at any age. Ageism intersects and exacerbates other forms of disadvantage including those related to sex, race and disability. Subjects like isolation, societal age prejudices and varying life experiences of ageism will be discussed. We will also consider how to avoid ageist behaviors in support of 'all' generations!

Presented by Dr. Wendy Watson and Dr. Charlie Stelle, BGSU. The presentation will allow time for questions and answers. Space is limited; the first 25 registered in person will receive lunch provided by Wood Haven Health Care! Otherwise, you can join us on Zoom.

Registration required by February 21. This session will fill up fast, if you cannot make it please call to cancel, so we can activate our waitlist. 

LiveyU Lifelong Learning Academy

The LivelyU Lifelong Learning Academy is a platform of programming offered through the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) in partnership with the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Optimal Aging Institute. The Academy is designed to enhance our Senior Center programming with opportunities for lifelong learning. Academy courses focus on education, engagement and life enrichment and are facilitated by volunteer instructors with a passion for their chosen subjects! Our courses are intended to be enjoyable and stimulating for all participants and include opportunities for social interaction.

To take part in LivelyU courses, an annual tuition fee of $20 is required. This tuition payment will give you access to any courses offered for the calendar year. Cash or check payments are accepted and can be made payable to: Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. These payments can be mailed to: 140 S. Grove Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402 or dropped off at any Senior Center in Wood County.

If you are interested in joining the LivelyU Lifelong Learning Academy, but do not have the resources to do so, the WCCOA Program & Service Scholarship Fund can assist you! Complete an application form 30 days prior to the semester to be considered for a scholarship.

Registration for each course can be completed by contacting the WCCOA Programs Department by phone at 419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935 or by emailing programs@wccoa.net. Please note that paying the $20 tuition does not register you for the courses you wish to attend. Registration is required in addition to paying the $20 tuition.

Spring course offerings coming soon. Classes begin in March.

Older Adult Fitness Classes

Physical activity is essential to aging optimally. BGSU's Department of Recreation and Wellness offers a variety of fitness classes to older adults both on campus and virtually. The BGSU Student Recreation Center participates in SilverSneakers® and the UnitedHealthcare Renew Active™ and AARP® Medicare Supplement Plan networks. You can become a member of the BGSU Student Recreation Center even if you have already enrolled in a membership or programming at other local clubs or health facilities.

More Information on Fitness Classes