NEK Council on Aging Introduces New Evidence-based Arthritis Exercise Program

St. Johnsbury, VT – For over 25 years, The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging has provided wellness programs to assist older Vermonters in the areas of balance, agility, strength, and mindfulness.

“The NEK Council on Aging was the first of the five regional Vermont Agencies on Aging to introduce wellness classes,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEKCOA. “Since our organization was founded almost 40 years ago, we have always focused on supporting the whole person, mind, body and spirit.”

In 1993, Tufts University asked the staff of the NEKCOA led by Dot Baker, Brenda Landry, Randy Stillls, Charlotte Blodgette, Barbara Bessette and Jenny Patoine, to serve as partners to introduce the Strong Living strengthening program for older Vermonters.

“Strong Living was one of the first evidence-based exercise programs for seniors,” said Jenny Patoine, who continues to volunteer at the NEKCOA. “The data from the program was used by Tufts to determine how effective the program was for participants.”

Over time, the Strong Living program migrated into other strengthening programs such as Living Strong, Growing Stronger, and finally Bone Builders, the osteoporosis prevention and reversal program currently offered by the NEKCOA.

“The Bone Builders program was originally developed from the Strong Living Program of Tufts University but it is no longer evidence-based,” said Karen Budde, the RSVP Volunteer Coordinator for the NEKCOA. “Evidence-based programs offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. This is why we are so excited to introduce the new Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program.”

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. The sessions include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. Led by Certified AFEP Trainers, Jenny Patoine and Karen Budde, the enjoyable and motivational classes may be taken either standing or sitting in a chair. Due to the fact that the program is evidence-based, proven results are achievable in pain reduction, improved joint function, increased muscular strength, and an overall improved sense of well-being and quality of life.

“We are not discontinuing our Bone Builders program but offering this as an additional benefit for older residents in our community,” said Patoine. “Karen and I are also offering assistance to others who may be interested in becoming a certified AFEP trainer so we can extend this program across the NEK.”

Certified AFEP trainers complete a 15-hour online course and are certified in CPR (an additional 21⁄2 hours of training). Anyone 40 years or older are encouraged to participate.

“We are so grateful to Karen and Jenny for their commitment to the NEKCOA and for becoming certified AFEP trainers. We are so fortunate to offer this important program that is proven to reduce pain for those with arthritis,” said Burmeister. “We will start the program in early October in St. Johnsbury with a hope that volunteers will come forward to help us extend the program throughout our area.”

For more information on the AFEP program, call the NEKCOA at (800)642-5119.