Mastering Aging Together

AMP Class of 2024

Everyone has a story about getting older, whether it’s our personal experience of aging or that of an aging family member, loved one, or friend.

Sometimes we hardly notice the changes, as they seem to happen almost silently. We think about how we used to get up feeling refreshed after sleeping, and perhaps now we realize that over time, we have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. When did the sleeplessness begin, we might ask ourselves. At other times, change happens “out loud,” like when we or a loved one has an accident, injury, a cancer diagnosis, a financial crisis, or some other event. Changes happen without regard to one’s physical health, socioeconomics, or social status.

Having support to deal with life’s changes is so important. One program that supports people is the Aging Mastery Program (AMP). It was developed by the National Council on Aging to provide support to people as they learn how to navigate the aging process. It has been offered nationally at more than 830 sites with more than 33,000 participants completing the program.

At the City of Seattle, the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Division obtained a license in 2018. ADS staff held workshops at Seattle Parks and Recreation sites. The feedback was positive, and the personal stories and testimonials were inspiring. Though there was a request for more classes, AMP workshops were put on hold during the pandemic.

AMP class of Spring 2024

Fast forward to 2024, when I talked with Anika Klix from Seattle Human Services’ human resources division about AMP. In 2023, she launched a new Mindful@Work Program, facilitating Mindful Movement sessions twice a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, short drop-in sessions at noon included yoga/stretch videos, gentle neck and hand exercise, Qigong, etc. On Wednesdays, she facilitated Mindful Mornings with a short meditation session using a variety of techniques and meditation topics as a focus. I mentioned how AMP would fit nicely with the Mindful@Work Program for general wellness, and with her support and assistance, AMP was offered through our Learning Management System (Cornerstone). We launched the first the 10-week hourly workshops on May 5, 2025, and plan to offer it again in the future.

What a great group! Here are some of their comments:

“AMP has provided me with so much essential knowledge about how to age in a healthy, balanced, and prepared way. While I am not considered an older adult, the information shared was useful for me to better support my parents. The best part about the class is hearing other people’s stories and experiences. Would highly recommend this class for anyone!” -Sherry

“Aging must be a beautiful stage of life. I, by attending the Aging Mastery Program, enhanced my ability and awareness that there are various ways and sources to promote a healthy and meaningful longevity. This program is not only for those who are in the retirement age but for anyone who seeks community outreach and empowerment to assist and get involved delightfully.” -Feliz S. 

“No one prepares you for aging well, but given our longer lifespans, it is imperative we take time to master areas of life which will pay great dividends as we enter old age. This class is a must for everyone!” -Rita Santiago.

“I’ve genuinely appreciated how AMP makes healthy aging feel proactive, empowering, and relevant at any stage of life—with practical tools on everything from finances and fitness to long-term planning.” –Amal M.

AMP supports a healthy brain, promotes physical activity and fall prevention, and other topics that align well with being an Age Friendly community and the WA State Dementia Action Collaborative initiatives.

The future of AMP is uncertain, as the National Council on Aging intends to sunset the program in 2026. There is an effort to find out how AMP or an AMP-like program could continue to be offered since the healthy aging message continues to be vital to our community.

I have seen people make positive life changes by attending AMP, sharing their inspiring stories, and supporting each other. Sharing a beautiful quote:                                                                                                                                                                             

“One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming.”

~Morgan Harper Nichols

I want to thank all the AMP facilitators, attendees, and sponsors of the program throughout the years. Each of you brings such wisdom and inspiration!

Contributor Mary Pat O’Leary is an RN, BSN and a senior planner with Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County.