Chronic Disease Management Takes Center Stage at Four-Week Seminar for Shelby County Seniors Through Project HEALING
By the Shelby County Observer Community Events Staff on May 14, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN — With chronic illness affecting a staggering majority of Shelby County’s senior population, a new four-week initiative titled Project HEALING is bringing life-changing education, empowerment, and support to older adults across the community. Hosted by the Humanitarian Outreach Development Group and All About You Home Healthcare at the Event Center of Memphis, the seminar series aims to tackle the rising tide of chronic disease through hands-on learning, practical tools, and peer connection.
The numbers speak for themselves: 138,143 seniors aged 65 and older currently live in Shelby County, making up 15.1% of the population. Nationally, nearly 95% of adults over 65 have at least one chronic disease, and about 80% live with two or more. These conditions—including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and others—can deeply impact quality of life, especially without proper knowledge and resources for management.
Project HEALING, designed specifically for this vulnerable demographic, addresses the urgent need for education and support in self-managing chronic illness. The initiative kicked off on May 15 with Workshop 1: Understanding Chronic Diseases, offering participants foundational knowledge about how chronic conditions affect daily life and why self-care is critical.
The upcoming May 22 session, Workshop 2: Healthy Eating and Nutrition, will dive into the role of diet in managing chronic disease. Attendees will learn how to read nutrition labels, plan affordable and healthy meals, and maintain a balanced weight. An interactive meal-planning activity promises to make learning both accessible and fun.
On June 12, Workshop 3: Physical Activity and Exercise will highlight how regular movement supports both physical and emotional health for seniors. The workshop includes a gentle guided stretching session to encourage safe and sustainable activity.
The series concludes on June 19 with Workshop 4: Stress Management and Mental Well-Being. Recognizing the close connection between mental and physical health, this session will focus on stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing, along with strategies to build emotional resilience and community support.
Each workshop not only delivers vital health education but also fosters connection and dialogue among participants. Complimentary refreshments will be served after each session, creating space for fellowship and follow-up conversations. Participants will also receive handouts and tools to reinforce learning at home.
As part of its long-term impact, Project HEALING will launch ongoing chronic disease management support groups after the seminar ends. These groups will provide continued encouragement, shared accountability, and a lifeline for seniors navigating chronic health challenges.
With a commitment to empowering Memphis’s aging population, Project HEALING is not just addressing chronic disease — it’s redefining what health and hope can look like for seniors in Shelby County.
For more information or to register, call 901-570-3220.
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