Groton, Conn., Senior Center is honored for its dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle for seniors in its community

Four other centers also named award recipients

CHICAGO, March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Aging in America Conference today in Chicago, Ill., the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and CVS/pharmacy announced the recipients of the Prescription for Better Health Award after a nationwide competition for programs that provide seniors in their communities with access to activities and education that promote healthy lifestyles.  

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/NE64371LOGO )

Groton Senior Center of Groton, Conn., was selected as the top honoree in recognition of  its program 'On Our Own: Staying Steady,' a falls prevention program that combined physical assessments for risk of falling, a home assessment and the evidence-based program, 'Matter of Balance' (MOB).  This collaborative program brought community resources together in a comprehensive effort to reduce the number of falls by seniors and keep them independent and at home.

"We are pleased to be recognized by the NCOA and CVS/pharmacy for our efforts to decrease the instances of falls, a frequent and preventable injury, among the seniors in our community," said Mary Jo Riley, Senior Center Supervisor of Groton Senior Center.  "The award acknowledges the important work of senior centers like ours that strive to promote a healthy lifestyle for older adults."

"Once again, the Prescription for Better Health Award received a substantial response, with applicants demonstrating a variety of ways in which their programs support the health and wellness of seniors," said Donna Phillips, Vice President for Membership of the NCOA. "By honoring the work of the Groton Senior Center's falls prevention program, we hope to encourage other organizations to focus on the needs of seniors in their communities."

The four honorable mentions include:

• CareLink of North Little Rock, Arkansas for 'Dancing with the Seniors'
• Troy Senior Center of Troy, Michigan for 'Pickleball'
• Senior Services of Midland, Michigan for 'Home Alone Camp'
• Wentworth Connections of Portsmouth, New Hampshire for HealthRHYTHMS

The Prescription for Better Health Award recipients were chosen for the strength of their healthy lifestyle programs and positively impacting the health of seniors in their community, while also designing programs that could be easily implemented at other senior centers across the country.

"Groton Senior Center demonstrated its commitment to helping individuals make healthy lifestyle choices and improving their quality of life, earning it this year's Prescription for Better Health Award," said Rob Price, Senior Vice President, Retail Advertising and Marketing of CVS/pharmacy.  "We are proud to recognize this organization and salute all of the applicants for their contributions to the senior community."

To view the winning programs and learn more about how the programs can be implemented in other locations, please visit: www.ncoa.org.  

About the National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans – especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged – and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://info.cvscaremark.com.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy

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