Sentara Obici Hospital will host the first meeting next week for the Sentara Living program, which offers people more than 50 benefits such as health screenings, educational discussions, fitness opportunities and social events.

The program’s first meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, in conference rooms C and D on the garden level at Obici. The event is free and open to the public.

“The goal of the program is to offer wellness and health improvement for seniors,” said Terrina Thomas, the director of community health and prevention for Sentara.

She said Sentara has hosted the program for more than 15 years in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, but this is its debut in Suffolk.

“Suffolk is a great location for the program,” Thomas said.

She added the area including and surrounding Suffolk has been an untapped market for this type of service.

Sentara Living will have monthly meetings at which different topics will be discussed.

Thomas said the group will talk about health issues, such as safety and preparation for end of life care. But it also will cover subjects like taxes and fraudulent practices happening in the city.

“It helps them to be in tune with things that impact them both negatively and positively,” Thomas said.

Additionally, program members will receive health screenings, such as blood pressure screenings.

“We see it as a good opportunity for them to keep an eye on their health,” Thomas said.

Monday’s meeting will cover the services available for citizens over 50 at Sentara, as well as an overview of what the members can expect from the program.

Kurt Hofelich, the administrator at Obici, and Peggy Croke, the Sentara Living coordinator, will speak at the meeting.

In addition to its monthly meetings, Sentara Living will have a bi-monthly newsletter and will organize social and travel events for its members.

Thomas said that on top of the health benefits, the program is a good chance for the members to socialize with other citizens in their age group.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together, to enjoy friends, meet new people and learn about the things Sentara offers,” she said.

For more information on the program, visit www.sentara.com/seniors and click the Sentara Living tab on the left side of the screen.