Wellness Programs

older adults standing in a line while balancing

Evidence-based wellnesss workshops

Our wellness team aims to enhance the quality of life and well-being among elders in Nevada by providing evidence-based workshops to promote health and wellness and prevent disease. We also offer workshops and resources for family caregivers. All workshops are free. Some workshops are restricted to older adults or people with disabilities.

For a full list of upcoming programs, visit our Sanford Center for Aging Wellness Page.

For information about any Sanford Center Wellness program, call (775) 784-4774 option 2 or email your wellness team. For information on caregiver resources, select option 3. You can also click here to join our newsletter list to be the first to hear about upcoming workshops.

Here is the full list of programs we offer with detailed descriptions:

Diabetes Self-Management Program

This is a 6-week long program held weekly for 2.5 hours each week. It is intended for people living with diabetes and/or care partners. You will learn:

  • Skills to help you balance your blood sugar
  • Techniques to better communicate with family, friends and healthcare providers
  • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
  • Appropriate use of medications
  • Healthy eating
  • Decision-making and problem-solving

Two available opportunities, and both have started. Stay tuned for the next workshop!

Diabetes Prevention Program

This year-long program is designed for people with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing diabetes. Take a short online test to find out if you're at risk for prediabetes.

This program will help you to:

  • Learn the skills you need to lose weight
  • Be more physically active
  • Manage stress
  • Connect with a lifestyle coach to guide and encourage you
  • Gain support from other members who have similar goals
  • This CDC-designed 12-month program is given in weekly sessions for 5 months, followed by bi-monthly maintenance sessions. Sessions are also available in Spanish.

Two available opportunities: The first workshop is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 5, 1-2 p.m. and runs for an entire year virtually via Zoom. Register for the November Start Diabetes Prevention Program here. 

The second workshop is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 1, 12-1 p.m. and runs for an entire year virtually via Zoom. Register for the December Start Diabetes Prevention Program here.

Fit & Strong

This program blends an exercise program with group problem-solving and education. This program meets three times a week for 90 minutes for 8-weeks.

After taking this class, participants have reported:

  • Increased engagement in physical activity (which has been sustained over 18 months)
  • Improvements in lower extremity joint stiffness
  • Decreased pain
  • Increased lower extremity strength
  • Increased mobility
  • Decreased anxiety and depression

This workshop has started and is full. Please stay tuned for the next workshop!

Healthy Steps for Older Adults

This free, small group program has been proven to reduce falls. Held in two 2.5 hour sessions over the course of a single day, trained leaders review steps to make homes safer, manage medicines and learn how to improve strength, balance and overall fitness, along with providing other resources to help prevent falls. Participants can complete a fall risk balance screening assessment during the program.

This workshop has ended. Please stay tuned for future workshops!

Stepping On

This 7-week group program helps participants reduce their risk of falling by incorporating strength and balance exercises along with education around home safety, navigating inclement weather, medications, calcium and vitamin D, and vision, among other topics. Along with trained leaders, guest experts join each session to share information on how to reduce fall risk. Stepping On has been researched and proven to decrease falls by 31%.

This workshop is scheduled for Tuesdays, October 14-December 9, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Offered at Sierra View Library. Register for Stepping On here.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

This 6-week program is for family caregivers of adults with chronic conditions. Throughout the program, participants will learn skills needed to take care of themselves while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver.

This workshop is scheduled for November 10-December 15, 2-3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers here.