The nation’s 76 million baby boomers have been given an unprecedented gift of health and time; but to a great extent, older adults do not make the most of this phase of life. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) created the Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) to develop new expectations, norms, and pathways for people aged 50 to 100, to make the most of their gift of longevity. AMP helps older adults and boomers build their own playbook for aging well. It is a fun, innovative, and person-centered education program.

Aging has changed remarkably since the last generation entered into retirement. Traditional retirement plans are disappearing, yet the cost of daily living continues to rise, and more than 84% of people aged 65+ are coping with at least one chronic health condition. The result is that most older adults are unprepared for this new stage of life. They are facing a new reality when it comes to maintaining their health and economic security and contributing to society.

AMP encourages aging mastery—developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. The 10 core classes (two per week) combine a peer-supported classroom-like structure with social rewards. The fee is $49 per individual, or $79 for two people. Scholarships are available. The program is kept affordable through a grant from the Madison Community Foundation.

“The class offering was actually profound for me. I am 70 years old and if I’m ‘lucky’ I may have 10 more ‘good’ years. The classes offered ways to make the years happier, healthier, and more worry free,” commented one attendee.

AMP uses a proven model of behavior change incentives with a primary emphasis on getting people to take actions to improve their lives. Preliminary results show that AMP participants significantly increased their physical activity levels, healthy eating habits, use of advanced planning, social connectedness, and participation in evidence-based self-management programs after taking the core curriculum.

For more information, call (608) 266-6581 or email Laura at czimmerman@cityofmadison.com.