BOWLING GREEN, OH – A new program, in collaboration with Bowling Green Manor, Wood Lane, First Christian Church and the Wood County Committee on Aging, “Guiding Pathways” aims to promote social interaction, memory stimulation and community connectedness.

Those with concerns about their memory and wish to have activities to promote cognitive activity, purposeful engagement or simply to be social, are invited to this gathering every third Friday of the month. Guiding Pathways is held at the First Christian Church, located at 875 Haskins Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio.

The gatherings will have participants experience interaction in a relaxing and engaging environment. Participation will aim to foster fellowship, promote relaxation, social interaction, cognitive stimulation and community outreach. The goal of Guiding Pathways is not only to provide a place for participants to socialize and promote cognitive stimulation, but also to allow caregivers a time for themselves.

Although we wish to give caregivers this time to themselves, caregivers are most certainly welcome to attend with their loved ones. There is a $10 program fee for Guiding Pathways. The day will include: small group activities, laughter therapy, chair exercises, games, lunch and snacks as well as nature fitness.

The first Guiding Pathways took place on January 18, 2013, with the theme of “Winter is for the Birds”. Activities such as laughter exercises, creating our own snow, an indoor nature walk, creating angels for cancer patients and music therapy took place. One caregiver really liked the program. “We need a few more people!” she explained, and went on to say that the program gave her “a little time to be me!” Her husband also seemed to enjoy the program. A family friend said that when he saw his friend at the program, it was the biggest smile he had on his face in a long time.

Our next Guiding Pathways is set to take place on Friday, February 15, 2013. The anticipated theme is “Sweethearts, Sweet Treats”. If you or a loved one would benefit from this program, please contact the Programs Department for more information or to register for this event at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935. Please also feel free to email the programs department at programs@wccoa.net.

The Wood County Committee on Aging plans and develops programs and services that will allow adults over 60 to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Services include; medical assistance, homebound assistance, exercise classes and other engaging programs and services for older adults throughout Wood County.