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HOMETOWN HERO

Encouraging older adults to lead their healthiest lives

Brock named Hometown Hero in Health Care category

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Ben Brock wants to improve the way the health care industry thinks about senior wellness.

The director of engagement overseeing provider relations at Optum helped design the free-for-anyone-55+ Optum Community Center to combat major chronic conditions faced by seniors, and encourage them to lead their healthiest lives.

His model has been so successful that Brock has overseen the construction of six Valley Optum Community Centers, one in Tucson and eight others across the country.

His concept for the Optum Community Centers is built around physical activity as the best way to manage chronic conditions; intellectual stimulation to reduce cognitive decline; emotional support; and rebuilding otherwise shrinking social connections.

Each community center has a full gym, socialization area and classroom for exercise activities, medical and mental health lectures as well as art and crafts. The centers also have an annual wellness exam clinic for Optum physician-ordered, patient routine screenings.

Brock, a Peoria resident of 10 years, got his start at a Washington nonprofit designing wellness centers for continuing care retirement communities. From that experience Optum noticed his abilities, and put him to work. Today the Arizona community centers he helped create each generate more than 5,000 visits per month, and as more Arizona locations come online, his model is scaling up across the country.

He says he is very proud to be one of the principal architects of a paradigm that’s helping seniors in the community stay healthier, happier, and more socially connected.

“I realized the tremendous impact I could have on a specific group. I have never looked back and have dedicated my professional life to creating interventions that change the lives and health trajectory of the 55+ population,” Brock said. “My core purpose is to help the healthcare industry work better so it can better serve the community,”

For his service to the community, Brock has been named a Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the health care category.

The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their achievements and distinguished contributions to the community and beyond.

Brock will be honored at an awards luncheon next year. The fourth annual Hometown Heroes luncheon will honor those nominated in 2024.

Brock was raised mainly by his grandparents — his grandmother was a smoker who died of emphysema and his grandfather worked until he was 65 and died not long after. Growing up Brock wanted to be a pastor.

Then in college, while getting his master’s degree, he was encouraged by a mentor to work for a while before getting a doctorate, which he had plans for.

The confluence of these experiences led him to preach healthy lifestyles, and led him to Optum.

Steve Macias, president and CEO of Optum Arizona and New Mexico, said Brock has been has been an inspiration to everyone around him.”

“Ben’s been a driving force behind several of our most transformative initiatives. His vision and innate leadership skills have been crucial in our efforts to help Arizonans live their healthiest lives," Macias said.

Brock enjoys spending time with his family and giving back to Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he has been a “Big” for three years.

Brock has helped his “Little,” overcome bullying and build athleticism. He said that before meeting his “Little,” the child could barely climb a flight of stairs, and now they climb local mountains together.

Brock also teaches nutrition presentations at high schools where he focuses on macro and micronutrients, filling a void in the curriculum.

Brock is an American Ninja Warrior and a trainer and mentor to several young contestants from Arizona. He has competed in the United Ninja Athlete Association three times, most recently in 2023.

His theme is always related to living a healthy lifestyle.

“I get the most personal satisfaction when I make an impact, whether it be on an individual or through a huge work project,” he said.

Get to know more about Brock here.

Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Peoria, Arizona, Optum, health care, hometown hero, senior citizens

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