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Naperville
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Engaging Aging – Free Training for Seniors

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In the United States someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. And most cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting. If most of these medical emergencies are happening outside of a hospital setting, then knowing CPR becomes a significant skill to have.

Seniors are at increased risk because as we age, our heart changes. These changes to the heart and blood vessels could increase the chances of heart disease and heart problems, including heart attacks.

Almost 17% of Naperville’s population are seniors, yet this demographic is the least CPR-trained group. Why?

Simply put, many seniors feel they do not know how to perform CPR. The fear of hurting someone as well as believing that performing CPR is complicated are other reasons why there are low numbers of CPR-trained seniors. But there is a solution: cue Naperville’s “Silver CPR” program!

Silver CPR, offered through the Naperville Senior Task Force together with the Naperville Fire Department, is a free CPR class offered to seniors 60+. In the class, participants learn about the new guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross that emphasize compression-only CPR (no rescue breaths). The class is approximately two hours in length.

Being trained in CPR has huge benefits. Not only do you have an ability to save a life, but having such training instills a sense of confidence which is integral to mental health. It allows you to be an active, contributing community member, and stimulates cognitive function when you learn something new. All of these are essential for living as a senior.

Silver CPR is offered four times per year, with the next class scheduled for November 20. There is a morning and afternoon class. To register, email Silvercpr2024@gmail.com or visit naperville-lisle-triad.org to join their mailing list to get information and updates on future classes.

Carpe Diem!

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Arlene Orr
Arlene Orr
Arlene Orr is a Naperville resident and member of the Naperville Senior Task Force.
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