St. Dominic’s New Directions for Over 55 Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Mature Adults

New Directions for Over 55 member Nell Mobley shows off her work during a popular watercolor art class offered through the program. The watercolor enrichment class is one of a myriad of classes and social opportunities for adults age 55 and older.

An idea that came about 20 years ago at St. Dominic’s as a way to create more activities for adults over the age of 55 has grown into a phenomenal program that shows no signs of aging.

St. Dominic’s New Directions for Over 55 is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking success that has grown from the grass-roots efforts of Sister Josephine Therese, then president of St. Dominic’s Community Health Services, to a current membership of over 5,000 individuals. New Directions now offers more than 100 programs and services annually to adults age 55+, making it one of St. Dominic’s most visible and successful community efforts.

“New Directions is a state if mind for many of its members,” said Sister Mary Dorothea, president of St. Dominic Health Services. “It’s a way for them to stay active and informed about their health issues.” She continued, “The success and growth that New Directions has experienced over the years tells us that mature adults need and want to stay active. They are interested in living healthier and longer and we are glad they choose to let St. Dominic’s help with that journey.”

From exercise and ballroom dance classes to art workshops, educational classes, trips and health and medical seminars and screenings, New Directions provides a wide variety of activities to suit many interests. All of the programs contribute to the overall belief of wellness, defined as having five dimensions that include emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual aspects.

“New Directions continues to improve the quality of life for many seniors, providing a unique place for them to connect through social, intellectual and physical activities,” said Jean Clark, who has served as director of New Directions for the past 14 years.

One of the most popular aspects of the program is the myriad of social activities offered each month to members. Trips ranging from seven-day Alaskan Cruises to day excursions for spa treatments at Greenwood’s plush Alluvian Hotel are planned year-round. New Directions staff members accompany the groups, some of which include members that are in their 80’s and 90’s. The participation of members of all ages speaks to the positive benefits provided by the program.

While members have visited some exciting locations, none was more memorable than the trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Members visited a nursing home to help make repairs to the damaged facility. One of New Directions’ members in his 90’s spearheaded the grounds renovation and participated in the landscaping project himself. This visit, one of several the group has made to the Coast nursing home, is a great illustration of the benefits of staying active by serving others.

As part of St. Dominic’s Community Health Services, New Directions is committed to providing the same quality of service and care offered at St. Dominic Hospital. The New Directions staff organizes the annual Senior Fest, a health and wellness fair that provides screenings and a wealth of valuable information to members from St. Dominic’s medical professionals and other resources within the community. The staff also offers free health screenings at local churches and schools and is actively involved with Mississippi’s Senior Olympics.

Members of New Directions receive discounts on services offered throughout the hospital, including at the wellness center, dining facilities, pharmacy, gift shop and The Spa at St. Dominic’s. Area businesses, including restaurants, optical, floral, jewelry and medical equipment stores also provide discounts to members.

Comments

[Kelvin Scott]

Thank you so much for the beautiful comments about our hotel and spa. We are always glad to assist St. Dominic in providing wonderful care and travel opportunities to those whom you all serve.

Best Regards & Keep Up The Great Work,
-Kelvin Scott, The Alluvian Hotel