VENTURA, California – Registration is now available for two upcoming Fall Prevention classes, Stepping On and Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance. These free, award-winning classes are put on by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency.
A Stepping On class will begin next Tuesday (March 12) and run weekly through April 23 at the VCAAA office in Ventura.
The Tai Chi classes will start on April 9 or 10 and run through late June. There are eight Tai Chi classes being offered at six different sites in Ojai, Oxnard and Ventura: Oxnard Public Library, HELP of Ojai, County of Ventura California Room, Ventura Townehouse, Ventura Church of Christ, and Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates.
Please see the attached flyers for specific dates, times, and registration information.
Adults that are 60 or older that are concerned about falls, have recently experienced a fall, or who are just interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, are encouraged to participate. Nationally recognized research shows that one in four adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. One out of every five falls results in a serious injury, and about three million older people are treated at emergency departments for fall injuries each year.
Stepping On is designed for individuals who have fallen or who are fearful of falling. Participants have access to a physical therapist that teaches strength and balance exercises, a vision expert, a public safety expert, and a pharmacist that will discuss fall risks associated with certain medications.
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an exercise program developed especially for older adults using modified practices designed to improve and strengthen balance and mobility. Classes are intended for beginners. Canes and walkers are welcome. This class has been proven to reduce falls by 55 percent.
For more information about the Fall Prevention Program, call (805) 477-7300 (option 6), or visit vcaaa.org/falls.
>> Stepping On flyer (PDF)
>> Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance flyer (PDF)
