Shalom! Welcome to my first blog

My name is Rev. Albert Whitaker, better known as Rev. Al. I am a minister, teacher and health practitioner committed to improving the health and harmony of older adults. I am currently in the process of completing a Masters in Public Health from Liberty University. I also have a Masters in Urban Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Center for Urban Ministry Education (CUME). I bring more than 20 years experience in health education and community outreach.

This blog is to first introduce the health ministry I developed called Healthy Shalom, complete wellness, and to provide a platform for older adults to interact, share and access resources to help them age with dignity, and have quality health-related information readily available.

If you are an individual or group that wants to explore how to live well, interact with your peers and share best practices for healthy living, this is the blog for you. Stay tuned for more information and details.

Older adults are living longer. By 2060 it is projected that the number of adults age 65 and older will reach 98 million or an increase of 23.5%.¹ Moreover, those adults experience higher risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Healthy Shalom is a resource for older adults that encourages physical activity and healthy eating as a means of reducing incidence of chronic disease among this population

Healthy Shalom will partner with the Massachusetts Council on Aging. The council is in alignment with our mission in that the council provides services that promote wellness and help seniors remained independent and engaged in their community.

Healthy Shalom will serve as an intermediary between Massachusetts Council on Aging and the older adult community by linking community to educational and informational resources, developing key partnerships with community members and local constituencies such as churches, senior centers, local YMCA and state and local government.

1. Massachusetts State Government. Seniors. https://www.mass.gov/topics/seniors.