Health and Wellbeing

The Health and Wellbeing program of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) offers evidence-based wellness initiatives that help older adults — and the caregivers who support them — stay healthy, active, and connected. Serving the region since 1974, AAANM brings proven programs directly to the communities of northwest lower Michigan.

The program’s offerings include a strong slate of evidence-based classes: Aging Mastery, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, GetSetUp (online learning and social connection), A Matter of Balance (fall prevention), SilverSneakers Stability, and Weekly Wits Workouts for cognitive engagement. It also includes PEARLS, a program addressing depression in older adults, along with caregiver support resources. These programs are designed not just to manage specific conditions but to build the kind of physical and mental resilience that helps people thrive as they age — and that helps caregivers maintain their own health.

This resource matters because evidence-based wellness programs measurably reduce falls, improve chronic-disease management, and combat isolation and depression — outcomes that benefit both older adults and their caregivers. AAANM proudly serves ten counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford. Caregivers and older adults can call (231) 947-8920 or (800) 442-1713, or visit aaanm.org to find program schedules and referral forms. For families in northwest Michigan, it’s a valuable path to staying well.