Madison Senior Center assists in TARCOG’s ‘Live and Live Well’ launch announcement

MADISON – Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments or TARCOG has launched a new campaign, “Live and Live Well,” and members of Madison Senior Center assisted in the video.

TARCOG officials shared ideas about healthy living at the launch on July 11 at Madison Senior Center, 1282 Hughes Road. I

Information in this campaign applies to anyone, but the focus targets the aging population, Sheila Dessau-Ivey said. Dessau-Ivey serves as TARCOG’s Director of Aging Programs.

“To my understanding, we haven’t done anything like this in a long time, if ever,” Dessau-Ivey said. “We’re excited to bring this information to everyone in the community in an easy-to-use format. We believe it will be useful on many levels.”

In coming months, TARCOG case managers will present the information to 1,000-plus clients. Each Council on Aging in the region will receive program information. TARCOG staff will provide educational material at outreach events throughout the region.

The program features a short video, thanks to participation for several members of Madison Senior Center and Center Director Levoneia ‘Bonnie’ Ayers. The video highlights aspects of the campaign, such as staying active, socialization and eating healthy meals.

At Madison Senior Center, 77-year-old Linda Morton was one of the participants in the Live and Live Well video. Morton picked up printed materials for Live and Live Well and was excited about reading the educational information related to healthy aging.

Morton takes morning walks with friends, but then, basically found herself sitting at home alone, on the sofa watching TV or solving a crossword puzzle. “I was feeling really lonely,” she said.

Some time ago, Morton’s hair stylist suggested that she try visiting Madison Senior Center. “I signed up but never came to the center,” Morton said. “But as time went by, I was starting to feel more and more alone so I thought I’d come up here to the center.”

On July 9, Morton stopped by Madison Senior Center and signed up for some classes, participated in an exercise class and then ate lunch.

“I can get a meal here, which is nice, because at home I’d maybe eat a couple of cookies and a glass of milk or a handful of candy because I don’t want to fix anything,” Morton said. “So, if nothing else, even if I don’t do a lot of activities at the center, I can come and get a lunch, meet new people and hear other voices.”

In addition, Morton is excited about the offerings at Madison Senior Center, and that willingness will help her stay on track.

TARCOG appreciates the senior center’s help to create a visual message for everyone in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties — and beyond. “This is useful information, and we encourage people to use it so that we may all live and live well,” Dessau-Ivey said.

To access campaign information, visit tarcog.us. At the top left of the page, click the “Live and Live Well” section (below the TARCOG logo). For more information, call 256-830-0818.