Do More Feel Better is a wellness project for older adults delivered by Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry. This project is a five-year study that began in December 2020 and is actively recruiting English- and Spanish-speaking participants to enroll. Do More, Feel Better is structured to help older adults to re-engage and combat depression and other feelings that interfere with enjoying life.
Any older adult from NYC interested in participating can call to learn more about Do More, Feel Better. English speakers can call: 844-999-8746 ext 714; para español, por favor llame al número (646-722-6224).
Many of the current participants have enrolled through Weill Cornell’s senior center partnerships. There are currently ten such partnerships in NYC. One is Williamsburg’s well-loved Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center (211 Ainslie Street). Cheryl Kamen, Dep. Director of Older Adult Centers & NORC at St. Nicks Alliance, which includes Swinging Sixites, heard of the study and invited the Weill Cornell team to present twice so far at the center.
The older adult centers help identify eligible individuals who can benefit from the program, in addition to peer coaches. “We have trained 9 peer coaches and served 69 older adults. The feedback on the program has been wonderful with participants feeling like it helped them jumpstart their lives,” said Weill Cornell.
“It was gentle, like I said it flowed from one step to the next. It felt kind, if I could describe it that way, like a peaceful, kind process,” stated a Do More, Feel Better client.
What can those interested in participating in Do More, Feel Better expect? Weill Cornell staff calls interested participants to explain the study and see if the program could be a good fit. A follow-up meeting is set up to conduct a longer interview. All study participants are paid for their time in interviews. After the interview, eligible participants meet with a social worker or a peer coach for nine weeks over telephone or Zoom. These meetings help participants build and implement a plan to get back into their activities and feel better. Do More Feel Better is built on the principles of Behavioral Activation to promote pleasurable and rewarding activities to tackle symptoms. The activities are personalized and planned by each participant.
“The program is ongoing, and we are accepting participants not only from the older adult centers who serve as our “home”: this program is open to everyone!” the Weill Cornell team offered.
They also mentioned that partnerships with mental health community advocates, council members, faith-based communities, and naturally occurring retirement communities help enable this project’s success. If you are interested in supporting the Do More Feel Better or helping to expand its outreach, call or email Kiana at (844-999-8746 ext 720)/ kms4003@med.cornell.edu.
If you are an older adult and would like to enroll in Do More Feel Better call 844-999-8746 ext 714 (English) or para español, por favor llame al número: 646-722-6224. To earn more about the Weill Cornell team, visit https://sireylab.weill.cornell.edu/
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