New 30-day vegan program launches for seniors

Connexion Insurance Solutions, a Seattle-based agency specializing in health insurance, launched the Northwest Connexion Challenge this month, aimed at seniors. The challenge is a 30-day program targeting seniors and encouraging them to go plant-based for a month for better health. The program focuses on both plant-based nutrition and creating a supportive online community for the seniors who participate.

The Northwest Connexion Challenge was created in collaboration with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, who are directors of the Brain Health Alzheimer Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center. The doctors helped to design the program to not only treat chronic health problems but to fight loneliness as well, since both are two major health concerns among seniors with the latter becoming a bigger problem due to COVID-19.

Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai take part in the group, joining the online community on Facebook Live to answer any questions participants have about a plant-based diet. Facebook also helps the seniors build relationships with each other, helping them to feel less isolated and lonely.

The program initially launched on September 1 and saw great success: nearly 2,500 seniors participated. As a result, the Northwest Connexion Challenge plans to continue through 2021 and will feature monthly speakers.

Connexion Insurance Solutions, a Seattle-based agency specializing in health insurance, launched the Northwest Connexion Challenge this month, aimed at seniors. The challenge is a 30-day program targeting seniors and encouraging them to go plant-based for a month for better health. The program focuses on both plant-based nutrition and creating a supportive online community for the seniors who participate.

The Northwest Connexion Challenge was created in collaboration with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, who are directors of the Brain Health Alzheimer Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center. The doctors helped to design the program to not only treat chronic health problems but to fight loneliness as well, since both are two major health concerns among seniors with the latter becoming a bigger problem due to COVID-19.

Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai take part in the group, joining the online community on Facebook Live to answer any questions participants have about a plant-based diet. Facebook also helps the seniors build relationships with each other, helping them to feel less isolated and lonely.

The program initially launched on September 1 and saw great success: nearly 2,500 seniors participated. As a result, the Northwest Connexion Challenge plans to continue through 2021 and will feature monthly speakers.

Article written by Tessa Altman- United States