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UNR extension outlines Healthy Aging Initiative programs, camps and outreach for Las Vegas seniors
Summary
University of Nevada, Reno Extension staff described evidence-based classes, a paid overnight camp and community outreach aimed at older adults, and said many services are free while the camp carries a $199 fee with limited sponsored slots.
Natalie Mazzullo, master of education and Healthy Aging Initiative coordinator with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, told the Senior Citizens Advisory Board on Sept. 4 that the extension runs dozens of programs for older adults across Clark County.
The presentation summarized evidence-based classes and community outreach delivered at senior centers, independent living residences and pop-up events; an overnight camp for older adults; a statewide newsletter; and partnerships with local agencies and universities.
Mazzullo said the extension offers an Aging Mastery Program with 10 lessons covering topics such as advance planning, financial fitness, falls prevention and caregiving. "The program is...help[ing] older adults to set goals and to live a healthy, happier, longer life," she said.
Other offerings include BingoScize, a University of Kentucky program that combines bingo with exercise, range-of-motion classes for assisted-living residents, regular exercise classes, and a Cooking Matters nutrition class that provides a snack during instruction.
Mazzullo described an overnight camp at Camp Alamo in Alamo, Nevada, designed for older adults. The camp sleeps up to 30 participants (two per room) and combines recreation — stargazing, campfires and archery — with educational sessions such as emergency preparedness, cybersecurity and falls prevention. The next scheduled camps are every April and October; a Grandparents Day camp is planned for September 2026 for grandparents with legal custody of grandchildren.
The camp carries a fee of $199 for two nights; Mazzullo said AARP Nevada provided a $2,000 sponsorship this session to cover 10 camper spots. "We were fortunate this go around. AARP Nevada...gave us $2,000 to sponsor 10 campers," she said. She said she is seeking additional sponsors and noted past local sponsorship by a county commissioner.
Mazzullo also described professional development the extension offers to health professionals, including a summit that provides six continuing-education units to eligible providers. The fee for those sessions is typically $50 for licensed health-care workers.
The extension distributes a statewide newsletter with about 70,000 copies annually through partners including 3 Square and commodity distribution at residential communities and senior centers. Mazzullo said the UNR extension also operates a botanic garden near the 215 and Windmill with some 4,500 plant varieties and a planned Neon Museum art installation.
Mazzullo encouraged board members to request program information by email and offered to bring classes to local sites as pop-ups to introduce participants to longer series. She closed with contact information: mazzullo@unr.edu and (702) 948-5911.
