Cathy Elser , 55 Plus Yonkers Connections

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Big Idea

Obesity is a serious public health epidemic that threatens the health status and quality of life for all generations. Research has found that neighborhoods with decreased economic and social resources have higher rates of obesity. Statistics show that about a third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. My idea involves recruiting trained older adults to volunteer in a low-income neighborhood for eight weeks using an adapted tool kit to increase physical activity and healthy eating habits.

The aim is to improve nutrition knowledge, activity level and eating behaviors among low-income children ages 5 to 11 at a church-based, after-school program.

About Cathy Elser

I am a registered nurse with more than 40 years of community health experience. Since 2001, as the director of a program called 55 Plus Yonkers Connections, I have worked with older volunteers and community organizations to make Yonkers, N.Y., more “elder friendly.” The program encourages people 55 and older to share their knowledge and skills with residents of all ages, participate in meaningful volunteer options, learn new job skills and engage in lifelong learning.