Fresh Conversations for Older Adults

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person Fresh Conversations withing Lower Shore Counties has been delayed until further notice. However, we are currently offering online webinar sessions.

What Online Topics Will be Discussed in 2020?

Ancient Grains Make a Come Back
Sugar:Sinfully Sweet
Go with Your Gut Bacteria
Heart-Healthy Fat Facts
Lower Your Stroke Risk
Should You Worry About Vitamin D Deficiency?
Eating Out and Eating Healthy-Just Got Easier
Dairy Case Dilemma: Is It Really Milk?

Click here to find Lower Eastern Shore Fresh Conversations webinar schedule and registration link:

08/11/2020, Topic: Heart Healthy Fat Facts

08/25/2020, Topic: Should You Worry About Vitamin D Deficiency?

09/08/2020, Topic: Sugar: Sinfully Sweet

09/22/2020, Topic: Ancient Grains Make a Comeback

10/13/2020, Topic: Eating Out and Eating Healthy Got Easier

10/27/2020, Topic: Go with Your Gut Bacteria

11/10/2020, Topic: Lower Your Stroke Risk

11/23/2020, Topic: Dairy Dilemma

Fresh Conversations: Maryland Nutrition Education Program For Older Adults

Fresh Conversations is a nutrition education program for Maryland's older adults. In Maryland, the program is administered by the University of Maryland Extension faculty and Fresh Conversations Certified Trainers. The Iowa Department of Public Health created Fresh Conversations [9]in partnership with Iowa’s department of Human Services and Department on Aging. Original funding for the program came from USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Program or SNAP.

What is Fresh Conversations Program?

This monthly program offers an array of nutrition, wellness, and health-related topics to older adults at senior centers and sites where they congregate. The sessions are filled with interactive activities, lively discussions, tasting opportunities and physical activity demonstrations. Each month, participants will receive a vibrantly colored newsletter featuring relevant research-based health information, physical activity tips, mind-stimulating games, easy low cost recipes, and an area to write down and track goals.

Our Story

University of Maryland Extension (UME) Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a unit within University of Maryland Extension that focuses on strengthening families, farms, communities, and the economy by translating the latest research into non-formal, community-based education. Family & Consumer Sciences faculty serve as the vital link in connecting the expertise and resources of University of Maryland to residents in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. We work collaboratively, internally and externally, to address critical and important issues facing Marylanders as they cope with social, economic, environmental, and technological changes. The focus of our work centers on healthy living and economic success.

In 2019, UME-FCS team facilitated Fresh Conversations at 44 senior centers and other senior serving sites. The program was implemented in 19 counties and Baltimore City in Maryland. Educators facilitated a total of 288 sessions and made 2,836 educational contacts.

In 2020, UME-FCS team efforts will focus on expanding direct education as well as training volunteers to implement the program. The Fresh Conversations training will be facilitated by the UME-FCS team. For more information on the program and training, contact UME faculty listed on the right side bar under 'Have Questions?' section.

Our Wonderful Program Partner

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) helps establish Maryland as an attractive location for all older adults through vibrant communities and supportive services that offer the opportunity to live healthy and meaningful lives. MDoA and the statewide network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging assist older Marylanders with a range of services and sources of information. MDoA administers state and federal programs, many of which are significantly lower in cost than nursing home placement.

Who is Eligible to Participate in Fresh Conversations?

Maryland older adults receiving services from the local senior centers or sites where they congregate are eligible to participate in the program.

What Topics Will be Discussed in 2020?*

Healthy Foods, Healthy Brain
Inflammation
Cancer: Preventable, Not Inevitable
Macular Degeneration: Sight-Saving Strategies
Are Healthy Bones Important?
Fuel Your Independence with Protein
Fresh Herbs: Don’t Miss Out on Summer Flavor
Summer Check-Up

*Disclaimer: Number of sessions and topics covered may vary by site. Check with your local site or local UME-FCS faculty to find out what topics are offered in your area.

"University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class."

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Wicomico County [10]