Ventura, Calif. – The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Fall Prevention Program is now registering individuals 60 and older for a variety of evidence-based classes scheduled throughout Ventura County. All classes are free of charge and range in focus from strengthening mobility and balance to empowering information for individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Classes offered include Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, Walk with Ease, Stepping On, and A Matter of Balance. Each class emphasizes practical strategies to manage and prevent falls. Participants will learn methods to enhance and increase activity levels and mobility, making the changes necessary to reduce fall risks. Individuals concerned about falls or those who have recently experienced a fall, as well as those who are 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. Of those individuals, half will die within a year from complications and injuries sustained from the fall.

Additional classes include DEEP, a diabetes educational and empowerment course.

Classes are available in English and Spanish. To learn more about the Fall Prevention Program or classes offered, or to sign-up for a class, please contact the VCAAA at (805) 477-7300. More information can also be found by visiting www.vcaaa.org.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, as well as individuals with disabilities, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jannette Jauregui, VCAAA Public Information Officer, at (805) 477-7306.

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