Healthy eating is about more than just what you eat. How you eat also matters. Eating while standing, driving, or generally distracted can make it harder for you to digest food. This is because digestion begins in the brain.

The brain tells the body, "Get ready, food incoming!" Then saliva enters the mouth, and stomach acid moves in. If you are distracted while eating, the message doesn’t come through as clearly. Your body doesn’t have enough time to get ready for the work of breaking down the roast beef and mashed potatoes you just ate. Sometimes, this problem can lead to bloating or heartburn.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to get your body ready for a meal. You want to relax and let the body know it’s time to fuel up. Feeling calm helps your body enter what is called rest and digest mode.

First, sit down in a quiet space for your meals. Take a few deep breaths before you pick up your fork. Next, try to really pay attention to your food. What smells do you notice? How does the food look on your plate? When you are mindful, you tell your body it’s safe to begin digesting. Finally, chew your food well. Slow down. Notice the tastes and textures of each bite.

You can start a special routine by thinking about what you are grateful for as you eat. Are you thankful that your daughter made your favorite meal? Are you glad to be sitting with your best friend? Thinking about what you are grateful for can also help your body digest. You may find that you feel as happy as your belly does!

Want more tips like this? Join Fresh Conversations, a monthly discussion about health and nutrition for older adults. 

When: Second Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Hill N Park Senior Center (4205 Yosemite Dr., Greeley)
Questions? Contact Jessi Like, Registered Dietitian, by email or phone at (970) 400-6118.

We hope to see you at an upcoming Fresh Conversations discussion! And if you're planning on joining in, make sure to reserve your spot for a Friendly Fork lunch as well. Reservations must be made by 11 a.m. the day prior by calling (970) 301-5574.

April is Global Volunteer Month. It is a time to celebrate and honor volunteers across the globe, as well as to encourage volunteerism everywhere. Volunteers make a world of difference right here in Weld County, and they are the heart of several programs offered through the Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA).

One essential way that volunteers contribute their time and expertise is by serving on the AAA Advisory Board. These volunteers provide indispensable knowledge, contributing to the mission of the agency, which provides services for residents 60 years and older. Through collaboration with community partners, AAA offers a wide range of programs designed to promote health, independence, and quality of life for older adults and vulnerable populations. The Advisory Board plays a vital role in guiding these efforts, ensuring that services meet the needs of our community.

Volunteers are the heart of the Friendly Fork congregate meal program and have been since it was established in 1976. Over the years, this program has expanded its reach to 22 meal sites in Weld County. Each meal site boasts its own unique personality, and the volunteers serving at each site create a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Meals on Wheels relies on the care and dedication of volunteers to deliver nutritious meals to folks in their homes who may not be able to prepare or cook food for themselves. These volunteers improve the lives of those they serve to ensure older adults in need are not forgotten, hungry, or alone. Their service fosters the profound impact of creating meaningful connections and restoring dignity in their communities.

Volunteers also share their talents in the numerous Weld Aging Well programs, where they are trained in curriculums proven to benefit the health and wellness of older adults, with classes and workshops ranging from strength training, balance and fall prevention, Tai Chi, and tools for living with chronic disease, to name just a few. These volunteers share their knowledge and experience, helping others learn to maintain and improve upon their health and well-being.  

Additionally, volunteers with 60+ Ride provide services to address the ever-increasing need for transportation for older adults. These volunteers serve as good neighbors in their community by giving their time to provide free, personalized transportation, which helps older adults retain dignity and community connections to support physical, emotional, and mental health.

As we celebrate the act of volunteerism in April and all year long, we also highlight the immeasurable rewards this selfless act offers to both the volunteers and those they serve. These rewards are many, and among the most often reported are connection, joy in lending a helping hand, and seeing smiles on others’ faces. If you have ever felt the call to serve as a volunteer, we would love to hear from you. We will help connect you with the program that best suits your interests, availability, and circumstances. Please contact Jason Koban by email or phone at (970) 400-6629 to get connected.

The Weld Aging Well Program provides innovative workshops and classes that support the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers by giving them tools to better manage their health. These evidence-based programs empower older adults and their caregivers to take control of their health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through increased self-efficacy and self-management.

Walk With Ease 

A walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Ideal for anyone looking for a way to be more physically active with less pain. Each class includes education, stretching, and walking.
Classes will be held at the Eaton Area Community Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from March 2 through April 10, 1 to 2 p.m. 

A Matter of Balance

A program specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling, stop the fear of falling cycle, and increase activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. The program focuses on practical coping strategies. A variety of activities address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting the fear of falling. The workshop is offered over eight sessions for two hours each session. Three classes begin in March.

Hill N Park Senior Center, Greeley: Every Monday, March 2 through April 20, 1 to 3 p.m. 

Johnstown Senior Center: Every Tuesday, March 3 through April 21, 1 to 3 p.m. 

Banner North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley: Every Monday, March 30 through May 18, 9 to 11 a.m.

Strong People

A strength-training program that builds bone density and muscle mass and improves joint health. The program also reduces risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and obesity. Learn appropriate exercises and proper technique at an adequate intensity level specific for you. Strong People is an ongoing class; please contact Gabi Synder for specific class locations and information.

Tai Chi

A group fall prevention program that uses a unique combination of eight single forms that are derived from the traditional 24-form Yang-style Tai Chi. The program goals are to improve functional ability, such as balance and physical function, reduce fall-related risks, and reduce fall frequency. Tai Chi is an ongoing class; please email Gabi Synder for specific class locations and information.

All Weld Aging Well workshops and classes are offered free of charge to adults 60 and older! Registration is required as class size is limited. For more information or to register, contact Gabi Snyder via email or by phone at (970) 400-6117. 

Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and wisdom of older adults in our community. This year, the focus is on “Belonging & Connection,” reminding us that everyone deserves to feel included, valued, and connected, regardless of age.

Belonging is more than just being present; it’s about feeling accepted and appreciated. For older adults, strong social connections are vital to health and well-being. Research shows that isolation and loneliness can have serious impacts, including increased risk of chronic illness and cognitive decline. By fostering community and shared experiences, we can help combat these challenges and create spaces where older adults thrive.

Community can be built through relationships and shared experiences, strengthening the bonds and connections between all individuals. Whether it’s a group fitness class, a book club, or volunteering together, these activities create opportunities for older adults to connect, learn, and grow. Programming that encourages intergenerational engagement can help to bring people of all ages together, break down barriers, and build mutual understanding to combat ageism.

Last year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” sparked important conversations about dismantling stereotypes. This year, we continue that momentum by challenging ageism in all its forms. Older adults are not defined by limitations; they are leaders, mentors, and active contributors. By celebrating their strengths and amplifying their voices, we create a culture that values aging as a natural, empowering part of life.

Together, we can make belonging and connection a reality for all generations. Let’s honor older Americans not just this month, but every day, because when we build inclusive communities, everyone benefits.

Do you enjoy writing, sharing ideas, or telling a good story? The Weld County Area Agency on Aging is looking for writers to contribute to Beyond 60, our weekly page in the Greeley Tribune. Beyond 60 features engaging articles that inform, entertain, and connect our community. While many pieces speak to older adults, topics do not need to be age-specific; we are simply looking for thoughtful, interesting content that people enjoy reading.

We welcome articles that explore aging well and life transitions; local events and community highlights; humor and personal reflections; health, fitness, and nutrition; entertainment and book or movie reviews; as well as advocacy, senior issues, and human-interest stories. Whether you are a seasoned writer or someone with a great idea and a keyboard, we would love to hear from you.

Interested in joining the Beyond 60 team? Please contact Meredith Skoglund at (970) 400-6132 or mskoglund@weld.gov, or Monica Wickstrom at (970) 400-6305 or mwickstrom@weld.gov. Share your voice, spark a conversation, and be part of the story.

The Greeley/Weld Senior Foundation is proud to announce the 35th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration, honoring all 2026 nominated older adult volunteers, with special recognition of three individuals who have been selected as this year’s Hall of Fame honorees.

Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Aims Community College Welcome Center (4901 W. 20th St., Greeley)

Join us as we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and service of three incredible individuals who make Weld County a better place for older adults. This special event will feature recognition of honorees, inspiring stories, dancing, a photo booth, and an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for volunteerism.

Mark your calendars now!

For more information, visit www.greeleyweldseniorfoundation.org, call (970) 400-6132, or email info@greeleyweldseniorfoundation.org.

Are you or someone you know celebrating a 100th birthday this year? We want to celebrate, too!

The Centennial Club honors residents turning 100 or older with a proclamation by the Weld County Board of Commissioners at a livestreamed board meeting, as well as recognition on our social media channels. All you have to do is fill out this questionnaire. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone birthday with you or a loved one!