Exemplifying good health and community is a dynamic group of 60 Strong Ambassadors, intrepid 60-somethings who are part of a national initiative sponsored by agilon health and its physician partners that inspires seniors to make healthy decisions and stay active. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of older adults don’t participate in regular physical activity.
Started in 2017, the 60 Strong program has been implemented in 14 communities across the U.S., motivating hundreds of seniors to stay healthy. As a way to recognize these inspiring seniors, calendar were created, which feature 165 60 Strong Ambassadors who were hand-selected by local celebrities. The calendars include local activities and events for seniors and serves as a roadmap for good health in each community.
Equally important, the calendars are part of an effort by agilon health and its physician partners to give back to local communities. All proceeds from calendar sales are being donated to local charities; to date, nearly $100,000 has been donated to such organizations as the Alzheimer’s Association, Meals on Wheels and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, among others.
In addition to advocating for healthy lifestyles, the 60 Strong ambassadors are champions for change in their communities and focus on ways to give back in their personal time — including fixing bikes for children in need, providing holiday light shows for people with disabilities, finding foster homes for pets, and walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s Disease — to name a few.
“In gratitude for their newfound lease on life, the 60 Strong Ambassadors are literally paying it forward,” comments Ben Kornitzer, M.D., Chief Medical and Quality Officer for agilon health. “The 60s are a difficult period — it’s often the time people experience real health struggles. Our 60 Strong Ambassadors provide encouragement to others and give them hope.”
