Aging Mastery is a comprehensive and fun approach to living that guides and empowers older adults to enrich their lives and celebrate the gift of longevity. The belief that modest lifestyle changes can produce big results and that people can be empowered to cultivate health and longevity are central to the Aging Mastery philosophy.
Aging Mastery aims to help millions of older adults take key steps to improve their well-being and strengthen their ties to communities.
What is the Aging Mastery Program® (AMP)?
The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) is a fun and engaging education and behavior change incentive program for aging well. AMP participants create their own playbook for aging well through actionable goals, sustainable behaviors, social engagement, and gratitude.
The AMP core curriculum covers 10 topics. The classroom experience is a mix of didactic and interactive learning with an emphasis on peer-to-peer interaction. When they graduate from AMP, participants have set goals for positive actions in many aspects of their lives such as exercise, nutrition, finances, advance care planning, community engagement, and healthy relationships. See the program overview below.
There are also 10 elective AMP classes that can be offered as a follow-on to the 10-class core program for AMP graduates. These classes address topics such as patient/physician communication, memory, home safety, nutrition vital signs, intergenerational connections, and sexual health.
An AMP for Caregivers program is also available. This 12-part class educates caregivers about the impacts of caregiving and also provides them with the tools they need to stay healthier and happier in the caregiving journey. The program consists of the standard AMP core curriculum bookended with two classes specifically designed to address caregiver concerns.
The suite of products incorporates evidence-informed materials with inspiration and encouragement to give people the skills and tools they need to achieve measurable improvements in managing their health, remaining economically secure, and engaging actively in their communities. All materials and resources align with the goal of helping people enjoy their lives.
Where is AMP currently offered?
AMP is a nationwide program with a presence in more than 830 sites. More than 33,000 participants have completed the classroom program. NCOA partners with statewide organizations as well as regional and local community-based organizations to promote community-wide adoption of the program. NCOA also works with foundations and corporations to spread AMP to new communities and to develop elective classes and other program offerings. To explore AMP partnership opportunities, contact us.
What are AMP's impacts on individuals?
Results have been very encouraging and consistent since the classroom version of Aging Mastery launched in 2013. Results have shown that older adults in the program participants significantly increased their:
- Social connectedness
- Physical activity levels
- Healthy eating habits
- Use of advanced planning
- Participation in evidence-based programs
- Adoption of several other healthy behaviors
Program graduation and satisfaction data continue to provide support that the program resonates with participants as both fun and educational.
- 80% of program participants graduate (take 7 of 10 classes)
- 97% find the program fun
- 98% would recommend the program to a friend
The class offering was actually profound for me. I am 70 years old and if I'm 'lucky' I may have 10 more 'good' years. The classes offered ways to make the years happier, healthier, and more worry free."
Does AMP have published research?
Yes. In May 2018, researchers at Temple University published a study of the Aging Mastery Program in the peer-reviewed journal Healthcare. The study showed specific improvements in physical activity and use of advance care planning. With this publication, AMP met the five criteria set by the U.S. Administration for Community Living to qualify as an evidence-based program under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act.
The eligibility of Title III-D funding is determined at each State Unit on Aging’s discretion. Currently, Colorado, Georgia, Oregon, Ilinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Washington, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Dakota list the 10-session AMP® Core Curriculum as an eligible evidence-based program.
Learn more about AMP research.
In October 2019, researchers at the University of California Los Angeles published a second study in a peer-reviewed journal, Health Education and Behavior. Quasi-experimental analyses found that attending AMP was associated with improvements in mental health.
Are there program costs?
There are two basic costs to run AMP: license fees and materials fees. NCOA licenses organizations to run Aging Mastery Program classes. Organization license fees are based on the number of locations hosting classes. Licensing includes online training for organization staff and an array of implementation resources. Classroom materials fees for participants are separate and are priced on a per participant basis. Local partners may choose to price the program higher to cover their costs of program delivery.
Limited scholarships for AMP license fees are available to support community-based organizations in the implementation of the Aging Mastery Program. Please contact us to learn more about license costs and scholarships for community organizations.
Questions? Contact us.
