LABELLE, FL. -- The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering a free health and wellness program, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, in LaBelle. The eight-week workshop starts Jan. 8, 2019 and continues through Feb. 28. The class is designed to help older adults manage relieve arthritis pain and stiffness and improve balance and movement.
Class size is limited and advance registration is required. Workshops will be presented on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Hope Connections L.J. Nobles Center (475 E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935).
Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among seniors. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in four seniors fall each year. High fall rates among older adults are the result of physiological changes, including a loss of balance, muscle strength and stability issues. Data from the Florida Department of Health indicates that falls accounted for 2.6% of senior deaths in Southwest Florida in 2016.
“A lot of older adults are afraid of falling and begin to limit their activity because of that fear,” explains Sherry Young, Health & Wellness Coordinator at AAASWFL. “Less activity leads to less independence and in many cases, poorer physical health. Our health and wellness workshops help restore confidence and independence for seniors.”
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention is a basic beginner falls prevention workshop consisting of 12 Tai Chi movements. Funding for Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention is provided through the Older Americans Act title III-D and administrated through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
For more information or to register for the eight-week Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Preventionworkshop, call Sherry Young at 866-413-5337 or email sherry.young@aaaswfl.org.
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