Dr. Judith Cook and her team presented their health self-management education project at the National Council on Aging’s annual conference, Age+Action

On June 9, 2021, Dr. Judith Cook and her team presented their health self-management education project, designed to improve the emotional and physical well-being of Illinois' older adults, at the National Council on Aging’s annual conference, Age+Action.

Healthy and Connected During COVID-19 Using Wellness Recovery Action Plan

A person's mental health is tested without regular social interactions, placing seniors at risk for social isolation, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, more than half of older adults report feeling lonely and isolated from others, which is double the proportion reported prior to COVID-19. Wellness Recovery Action Plan is an evidence-based self-management intervention that helps older adults learn to plan and engage in social and physical activities of their own choosing. WRAP® helps people find the motivation to build a daily schedule for wellness, containing realistic and rewarding activities to reach achievable goals. Available in a free app as well as an online version, WRAP can be completed individually or in Zoom groups. Learn how people can feel less isolated and more in control of their lives using a simple plan for responding to stress, negative thoughts, and challenging times.