White Plains — Dozens of older adults attended a Healthy Aging Workshop at the Thomas H. Slater Community Center, located at 2 Fisher Ct., in White Plains, on Monday, April 27th.
The event, hosted by Healthfirst, a leading not-for-profit health insurer, gave senior citizens a chance to interact and learn useful strategies for promoting their physical and mental well-being, such as stress management, developing healthy habits, and recognizing when to seek medical attention. Jewel Williams Johnson, a Westchester County legislator and the chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Health Committee, spoke about the importance of community ties and collaborations in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The Slater Center is a vital part of District 8, and the older adults who gather here play an important role in keeping our community connected and strong. I’m proud to support Healthfirst in delivering workshops like this to our residents, strengthening their mental health and overall well-being,” said Jewel Williams Johnson, Westchester County Legislator, 8th District
As Older Adults Month and Mental Health Awareness Month approach in May, Healthfirst is supporting older adults across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley through community-based events that support healthy aging and mental well-being. Social isolation presents a higher risk for not only depression, but also physical health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson’s remarks, Healthfirst Director of Strategic Health Initiatives Dr. Paul Amajor’s talk on healthy aging, and Thomas H. Slater Community Center Executive Director Heather Miller’s remarks were among the workshop’s highlights.
As the workshop came to a close, one message rang clear: healthy aging is not something that happens in isolation—it is built through connection, access, and consistent community engagement. Events like this do more than provide information; they create spaces where older adults feel seen, heard, and supported. In a time when social isolation continues to pose serious risks, these gatherings serve as a powerful reminder that community-centered care can be just as vital as clinical care.
With Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month on the horizon, the momentum generated at the Slater Center underscores a broader call to action. Investing in programs that prioritize both physical and mental well-being is not just beneficial—it is necessary. As leaders like Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, Healthfirst, and local community organizations continue to collaborate, they are not only improving health outcomes but also strengthening the fabric of Westchester County—ensuring that its older residents can age with dignity, purpose, and the support they deserve.
