NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 14, 2019) – Tivity Health®, recognized Valley Area Agency on Aging at the 2019 Connectivity Summit on Rural Aging for extensive work to promote healthier aging and social connectivity for older adults. Valley Area Agency on Aging is one of 19 organizations nationwide recognized for community-based programs that successfully promote healthier aging and social connectivity. These organizations were also recognized in the storybook Aging Well in Rural America: A Collection of Stories from the Heartland, highlighting the spirit of improving lives of seniors in rural America.   “At Tivity Health, we are committed to improving the lives of aging adults who live in rural communities,” said Donato Tramuto, Chief Executive Officer, Tivity Health. “This movement begins at the community level, and we congratulate our 2019 Community Connectivity Award recipients in this mission and thank them for all that they are doing to improve the quality of life for many older adults.”    This year’s Connectivity Summit is focused on the conditions in which people live, work and age – also known as the social determinants of health – exploring how these factors impact the health of older Americans living in rural areas and solutions that can mitigate their impact.    Yaushica Aubert, President & CEO of Valley Area Agency on Aging states “Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and depression are a real issue with our Elders. Our Wellness Classes such as Art Therapy, Silver Sneakers, Matter of Balance and Arthritis Exercise have taken people out of their shell. They meet new friends while exercising the mind and the body. Those who participate in our Wellness Classes report decreased feelings of loneliness and anxiety and increased strength and flexibility. The transformations have been amazing to watch.”