Healthy Aging

A Matter of Balance

Matter of Balance (MOB) is a researched and evidence-based program, designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults.

During these classes participants learn to view falls and fears of falling as controllable, learn to set realistic goals for increasing activity, learn to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and promote exercise to increase strength and balance.

This is taught through group discussion, problem-solving, skill building, assertiveness training, exercise training, videotapes, and sharing practical solutions.

Tai Ji Quan
Moving for Better Balance

Research has shown that people who complete the program are half as likely to fall and are less fearful of falling.

The program is intended for community dwelling older adults, age 60 and older, who can walk easily with or without assistive device. Participants will learn balance skills, good body alignment and coordinated Tai Chi movements. Participants typically have improved physical health that leads to better functioning in daily activities, improved balance, muscle strength, flexibility and mobility, and better mental health such as increased self-esteem and more social interaction.

Stepping On

Stepping On offers participants a way of reducing falls and at the same time increasing self-confidence in situations where they are at risk of falling.

It covers a range of issues, including falls and risk, strength and balance exercises, home hazards, safe footwear, vision and falls, safety in public places, community mobility, coping after a fall, and how to initiate a medication review.

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based intervention for prevention of falls.

The exercise program includes aerobics, strengthening, and balance components. The SAIL Program includes a fitness class designed specifically for older adults, as well as educational materials and self-assessments.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

Take charge of your life and live fully! Led by a certified trainer, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a motivational, interactive educational model. Over six-weeks, participants learn to better manage and cope with their chronic disease such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, or arthritis.

Living Well with Chronic Pain

This program is designed to help participants deal with chronic conditions. Topics include: techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, and how to evaluate new treatments.

Walk With Ease

Walk With Ease helps you create a routine to stay active and healthy. You’ll learn a safe, relaxing and enjoyable way to make walking part of your everyday life. The class will help you increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence around being physically active and reduce pain and discomfort from arthritis or other health conditions.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

Eating healthy, exercising, and understanding normal aging is the focus of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. Arthritis Foundation Certified exercise leaders and other professionals lead fitness sessions designed to improve or maintain strength and flexibility, and, educate participants on health and nutrition topics. Most sites either are in senior housing units or coordinate with senior dining locations

See below a schedule of classes.

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)

DPP is a collaborative, community-based, lifestyle change program designed for people with pre-diabetes. The topics include eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity to become healthier.

Living Well with Diabetes

Also known as Diabetes Self-Management Program.
This program is designed for people with type 2 diabetes and how to live well. Topics include: techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear and frustration; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating, appropriate use of medication; and working with health care providers.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

This is a well received, six-week education program geared for caregivers assisting loved ones. Many class participants report that they have fewer feelings of anger, guild and depression as well as an increased confidence in coping with the demands of caregiving. There are several trained leaders in the region who lead the sessions.

Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH)

REACH is a program for people who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia at home. The program addresses problems related to caregiver health that often force people to move their loved ones to long term care facilities. If the caregiver is better able to manage the challenges of caregiving, the person he or she cares for will benefit as well.