About
The Office on Aging & Independence offers a wide range of services to promote healthy aging, improve the health and quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities to include exercise, nutrition programs and evidence-based programs.
Free one-on-one nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian are offered at Howard County 50+ Centers by appointment. During each half-hour appointment, individuals will learn to:
- Develop healthy eating patterns and lifestyle changes
- Learn how to manage the nutritional aspect of diseases and chronic conditions
- Set personal goals
Appointments are offered at Howard County 50+ Centers and virtually by appointment. Register online below or by contacting a 50+ Center.
This meal distribution service for older adults in need during the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. Please check out the Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Meals options offered.
The congregate meal program is resuming at most centers and will be offered one to two days per week depending on the site. Howard County residents aged 60 and over and their spouses of any age are eligible to participate in this program and are asked to make a voluntary, confidential donation.
Congregate meals allow older adults to enjoy a well-balanced meal in a group setting, offering the opportunity for social engagement. All of the Howard County 50+ Centers serve meals that have been planned and approved by a registered dietitian.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc. is an organization that provides two nutritious meals daily, up to five days a week, to homebound individuals. Meals are delivered by volunteers and meet two-thirds of the nutrition adults need each day.
Contributions toward the cost of the meals are determined on a sliding scale. Subsidies through the Howard County's Office on Aging & Independence may be available to qualified older adults who cannot afford the full cost of receiving home-delivered meals.
For more information or to apply, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).
The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP):
- Provides fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers' markets to low-income older adults
- Develops new farmers' markets across the state
- Provides nutrition education
Eligibility for SFMNP include:
- Low-income seniors (household incomes of not more than 185% of the Federal poverty income guidelines)
- Individuals at least 60 years old
Each summer, vouchers are distributed to eligible Howard County residents to purchase fresh, locally grown produce at Farmers' Markets in Maryland
Click below to view nutritional videos and recommended recipes.
Exercise Resources
The Office on Aging & Independence offers innovative, accessible, and affordable programs and services at 50+ centers and other community locations; sponsors special events throughout the year.
Cycle2Health is a non-competitive, peer-led, bicycling club for adults of all ages and riding abilities.
Our Go50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives, works, and plays in Howard County.
Live longer, healthier lives...join today!
50+ Centers
Membership includes access to Gary J. Arthur, Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center and North Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers, including game room areas, gymnasiums, walking tracks, and wellness programs.
Go50+ Fitness
Membership includes all 50+ Center benefits, plus fitness rooms and dance/aerobics studios, where available. Resident cost: $75 per year. Non-resident cost $100 per year.
Go50+ Pool
All Go50+Fitness benefits, plus pool access during open swim hours. Resident cost: $175 per year. Non resident cost: $225 per year.
The Office on Aging & Independence offers classes for older adults with Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and a history of stroke or balance limitations. In-person and virtual exercise classes may help to improve mobility and reduce fall risks associated with chronic conditions. To learn more or to register, contact Malarie Burgess at mburgess@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6073 (voice/relay).
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with the Exercise Specialist to create an individualized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and interests. Cost: $15 per 30-minute session.
Exercise consultations are offered at select Howard County 50+ Center locations. Register online below or by contacting Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 or email mburgess@howardcountymd.gov.
Health Promotion Services
Health Promotion programs offered include innovative, accessible, and affordable programs as well as evidence-based programming.
Stepping Up Your Nutrition is a 2.5 hour malnutrition risk/food insecurity workshop for older adults. Participants learn about the strong correlation between nutrition status, muscle strength, and fall risk. Topics covered include the importance of protein and fluids on nutrition, recommended daily allowance, and how to set goals for behavior change to improve nutritional status and muscle health. For more information, please contact Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) or mburgess@howardcountymd.gov.
An evidenced-based fall prevention program designed to reduce falls and increase confidence, strength, and balance. The program meets for two hours, one day a week for seven weeks.
Topics covered include:
- Falls and Risks
- Safe Footwear
- Review of Medications
- Home Hazards and Vision
- Strength and Balance Exercises
For more information about Stepping On, contact Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) or via mburgess@howardcountymd.gov.
Are You Living Well? A variety of trusted programs are available to help individuals take charge of their health. Currently offered virtually, these free 6-week programs help participants learn how to manage their everyday health, feel better, be in control, and do the things they want to do. These programs are available in multiple languages, and for specific conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and cancer. Contact Akasha Dotson at 410-313-3507 or email adotson@howardcountymd.gov to learn about the multiple opportunities near you.
Living Well with Hypertension is an interactive workshop designed for those with high blood pressure or hypertension, and meets once for 2.5 hours. Lay leaders address topics such as medication management, high blood pressure risk factors, nutrition and food label guidance and sodium content in common foods. If you are interested in attending a Living Well with Hypertension workshop, contact Akasha Dotson at 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).
The SeniorsTogether peer outreach program encourages interaction among older adult peers with the goal of promoting a positive outlook, creating social networks, and supporting a thriving aging process.
The SeniorsTogether discussion groups are a safe, confidential place for sharing ideas and issues, finding resources, and staying stimulated. All groups are led by a peer facilitator who guides the discussion. Other activities include luncheons, speaker engagements, and workshops. All SeniorsTogether activities are developed with sensitivity to sensory and mobility issues.