What does it take for a healthy older adult to successfully navigate the challenges of aging and continue to live a life that is vital and satisfying? To help answer this important question, an innovative program -- the Columbia Cooperative Aging Program (CCAP) – is available through the Allen Pavilion.

CCAP brings together healthy New Yorkers age 60 and older together with a team of Allen Pavilion physicians from several disciplines, along with nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and public health specialists. This partnership focuses on the many issues involved in the natural process of aging and how to best manage them.

The CCAP experience begins with a relaxing, yet in-depth, conversation between the team and an individual participant. The team listens as the participant talks about his/her past and current life. CCAP seeks an understanding of how the participant is doing – physically, psychologically and socially.

The conversation then serves as the basis for recommendations the team tailors specifically for each individual participant. The goal is to help these individual enhance their health and quality of life. If the team feels any special needs exist, information will be provided on where they can go for more assistance.

CCAP is committed to keeping track of all participants and invites them back yearly for a follow-up conversation with the team after the initial conversation. This reunion enables CCAP to know how they are doing and what specifically has helped improve their lives.

Once a member of CCAP, participants receive a monthly newsletter that offers practical information and advice designed to further improve their quality of life. They are also invited to join lively group discussions several times a year with other adults age 60 and older.

CCAP was created for the Allen Pavilion by faculty from the Department of Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons; Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy; and Columbia University Stroud Center for Studies of Quality of Life.

For more information about CCAP, call 212-932-4909.