By CHRISSY SMITH
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore offers a program to seniors, at least 50 years of age, called Golden Opportunity which encourages and enhances an active, healthy lifestyle.
Christie Trew, regional manager for Golden Opportunity on the northshore, plans out all the events for the organization. There are eight events per month that the seniors are welcome to attend. The cost to join the Golden Opportunity is $25 for the first year.
“We teach education from lectures with guest speakers, go on field trips to fun places and to places we can bring something home with us like visiting historical places. There’s also a social environment,” Trew said. “At the monthly meetings, it’s a great place to meet people with a positive environment. We all have ups and downs, but when the members come together, it’s about focusing on friends. It’s very encouraging.”
At the monthly meetings, the group does things like have lunch and socialize. Trew said that especially after Katrina, there are so many people who have relocated to the northshore. There are people who haven’t seen each other in 20 years. Also at the meetings, Trew holds an event called Coffee with Christie. One is in Slidell and one in Covington. Trew goes over the activities the group has just done so the new members who are attending can know what’s been going on. Then Trew talks about upcoming events.
While there are over 1,200 members on the roster, there are 450 people who attend regularly.
“I might not see somebody for a year and then they’ll come. The good thing about this program is that they have so many choices. It’s perfect for someone who is new to the community or who wants to meet people in a safe environment. It’s also good for people who are alone. It’s just so nice to see everyone being happy,” Trew said.
Golden Opportunity has been part of the northshore since 2009. The median age of members is 70-75, and Trew added that no one acts their age.
“They’re really very up and coming. There’s so much to do locally and we don’t all have time to just get in our cars and do it on our own,” Trew said.
To join, contact Christie Trew directly at 985-875-2799 or through e-mail at ctrew@ochsner.org.
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