Who we are
One of our members noted that Creative Aging in Nyack "builds a vibrant and proud consciousness about aging."
Our goal is to help people 60 and older who live in the Nyack area continue to be active and independent so they may remain in the homes of their choosing. We are interested in helping people thrive as they age and in breaking the stereotype of the aging person as dull and passive. We experience life fully, enjoy new opportunities, and continue to contribute to our community as we grow older. We are a close community ready to help each other at any time.
Through the meetings we hold every two weeks, we provide information and activities to help keep our members informed, engaged, and healthy. These meetings have included topics and activities such as understanding living wills and trusts, power of attorney, and establishing a health care proxy; staying healthy through age appropriate exercise such as walking, chair yoga, and Qi Gong; and apprising our members of benefits available to them through resources such as the Rockland County Office for the Aging. But we go beyond topics around aging. We talk about community, humor, friendship, and the arts. Members who are unable to attend our meetings receive The Notes, a full written narrative of everything that happened at the meeting.
We are a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Click on the button to read our Bylaws.
Our goal is to help people 60 and older who live in the Nyack area continue to be active and independent so they may remain in the homes of their choosing. We are interested in helping people thrive as they age and in breaking the stereotype of the aging person as dull and passive. We experience life fully, enjoy new opportunities, and continue to contribute to our community as we grow older. We are a close community ready to help each other at any time.
Through the meetings we hold every two weeks, we provide information and activities to help keep our members informed, engaged, and healthy. These meetings have included topics and activities such as understanding living wills and trusts, power of attorney, and establishing a health care proxy; staying healthy through age appropriate exercise such as walking, chair yoga, and Qi Gong; and apprising our members of benefits available to them through resources such as the Rockland County Office for the Aging. But we go beyond topics around aging. We talk about community, humor, friendship, and the arts. Members who are unable to attend our meetings receive The Notes, a full written narrative of everything that happened at the meeting.
We are a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Click on the button to read our Bylaws.
Groups and Activities
While there are many informal gatherings of CAN members who have become friends, some of our activities are more organized.
Care Specialists
This is a dedicated, trained group of members who have volunteered to step in to coordinate the support system needed when a member is injured or ill. They contact the volunteers who will help to drive the member who needs help, will help with grocery shopping, or will visit the member.
Enhance Fitness
This program is run by our local YMCA and is open to all. This evidence-based exercise program is proven to increase strength, boost activity levels, and elevate mood. It meets three times a week. See www.rocklandymca.org/main/enhance-fitness/
Museum Trips
Members often share rides and good company to explore museums together. Recent trips have taken them to Hudson Yards, The Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Montclair Art Museum, and the Cloisters. One of our members who is an art historian usually leads these trips. Although these trips have been suspended due to Covid-19, we hope that they will become available again soon.
Older Writers Laboratory (OWLs)
This group gathers once a week to write memoirs and personal essays. This group is currently at capacity.
Potluck Suppers
Some of our members like to gather at each other's homes to share a meal.
Care Specialists
This is a dedicated, trained group of members who have volunteered to step in to coordinate the support system needed when a member is injured or ill. They contact the volunteers who will help to drive the member who needs help, will help with grocery shopping, or will visit the member.
Enhance Fitness
This program is run by our local YMCA and is open to all. This evidence-based exercise program is proven to increase strength, boost activity levels, and elevate mood. It meets three times a week. See www.rocklandymca.org/main/enhance-fitness/
Museum Trips
Members often share rides and good company to explore museums together. Recent trips have taken them to Hudson Yards, The Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Montclair Art Museum, and the Cloisters. One of our members who is an art historian usually leads these trips. Although these trips have been suspended due to Covid-19, we hope that they will become available again soon.
Older Writers Laboratory (OWLs)
This group gathers once a week to write memoirs and personal essays. This group is currently at capacity.
Potluck Suppers
Some of our members like to gather at each other's homes to share a meal.
Village to Village Network
Creative Aging in Nyack is a member of the Village to Village Network, a national organization of community groups dedicated to helping their members age in place among other members of a supportive community. This network formed in 2010, inspired by the first aging-in-place "village" that formed in Beacon Hill, Boston. There are now over 300 such "villages" throughout the United States and spreading into areas of the Pacific. Each village agrees to the following guidelines:
- Commit to helping their members age in a place of their choosing, closely connected to their communities and with the supports and tools they need to create successful aging of their own design
- Create opportunities for individuals to use their talents to improve Village impact and benefit the overall community
- Provide social activities that minimize isolation and promote interaction and trust within the Village community, between individuals who offer their help and those who ask for help when needed
Board of Directors
Ann Morgan, Chair and CEO
Debra Banks, Secretary
Debbie Bell, Treasurer
Susanna Willingham, Associate Chair and Chair of Programming
Mary Loughran and Mary Mathews, Co-Directors and Chairs of Volunteers and Services
Mary Mathews, Chair of the Membership Team
Phyllis Eisenberg, Director
Don Monaco, Director
Debra Banks, Secretary
Debbie Bell, Treasurer
Susanna Willingham, Associate Chair and Chair of Programming
Mary Loughran and Mary Mathews, Co-Directors and Chairs of Volunteers and Services
Mary Mathews, Chair of the Membership Team
Phyllis Eisenberg, Director
Don Monaco, Director