Older Adults (50+) – Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department

Promotes healthy aging by connecting seniors and their caregivers with resources, education, and support services that help maintain independence, improve quality of life, and enhance overall health and well-being.

Graceful Years: Prevent, Protect, and to Promote for Every Season in Life

The Graceful Years Program is dedicated to helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and overall well-being as they age. Through compassionate support, education, and community-based services, we strive to help adults age 50 and older live safely, confidently, and comfortably in their own homes and communities.

Many of our services are provided through in-home visits and are tailored to everyone’s needs. Free services may include:

In-Home Wellness and safety check-ins
Friendly companionship visits to reduce isolation/loneliness
Exercise and mobility activities to improve strength, balance, and arthritis symptoms
Nutrition education and meal preparation assistance
Medication reminders
Personal hygiene assistance
Light housekeeping support
Help completing Medicaid, SNAP, and other DHHS applications and renewals
Connections to valuable community resources and local services

Our Mission

Our missions is to educate older adults on how to remain active, engaged, and independent while providing the support they need. At Graceful Years, we believe aging is a journey that should be met with compassion, dignity, respect, and opportunities to thrive.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the support that’s right for you.

Walk with Ease

Walk With Ease is a fun, evidence-based walking program started by the Arthritis Foundation. It was designed to help adults with arthritis or anyone looking to become more active. The program helps by:

Reducing arthritis pain and joint stiffness
Improves balance and helps prevent falls
Increases strength and flexibility
Builds endurance and energy
Helps make everyday activities easier
Encourages a healthy, active lifestyle
Boosts confidence and independence

The link below goes directly to the Arthritis Foundation website. Which gives further information about arthritis and has information on nutrition and how an active lifestyle can benefit arthritis. There are many anti-inflammatory recipes for those who may benefit as well.

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/walk-with-ease

Join a Group:

Wayne Senior Center meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00am for Walk with Ease. You can “walk your way to a free meal” at the Wayne Senior Center. Everyone gets a punch card for joining, after 5 punches you get a free meal ticket!
Wakefield Senior Center meets every Monday at 9:45am for Walk with Ease.

Volunteers Needed

The Graceful Years Program is looking for caring, dependable volunteers to help improve the lives of older adults in our communities. Whether you have a few hours each month or several hours each week, we’d love to have you join our team!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Friendly companionship visits
Wellness and friendly check-ins
Assist with walking and exercise activities
Help with light housekeeping
Meal preparation assistance
Help reduce loneliness and social isolation
Connect seniors with community activities and resources

Volunteer Requirements:

Must be 19 years of age or older
Must successfully complete a background check
Flexible scheduling—volunteer hours vary based on your availability
Compassionate, reliable, and respectful attitude

Make a difference in the life of an older adult. Your time, kindness, and compassion can have a lasting impact! Call or email to apply. You may also apply by clicking the link below.