An educational curriculum for seniors called ACCENT is being used at the Council on Aging Niagara-Maplewood Senior Center at Stafford Road and Chicago Street since June, 2008. The group is meeting twice a week from 10:00 a.m. to noon for twelve weeks Each session includes a strength training component as well as a 45-minute session on nutrition, medications or another related topic taught by local experts. Psychologist Dr. David Weed of the Dr. John C. Corrigan Mental Health Center presented a program on October 9th on anxiety, stress and depression, especially as it relates to seniors. "Stress and depression can do a lot to undermine a person's health," noted Dr. Weed. "Recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment can be one of the best steps anyone can take to improve their heath," he added. The program is the result of a $3,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is designed to train ongoing leaders who will keep it going after the funding has expired. For more information about the program, contact Patti Linhares at 508-324-2717. (Photos by Mike Mahoney)
 

(Top row) The group views a video entitled "Faces of Depression" that interviews a number of adults who have experienced depression and treatment. (Middle row) Dr. Weed talks about some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety that are common to older persons. (Bottom row) Dr. Weed engages the group in a discussion of the best ways to manage stress, including exercise such as walking as Mike Mahoney of the Fall River Y, in the red shirt, listens in the background.