Above: Zoom sessions offered by the Senior Center this month include Chair Yoga and a presentation from an author/expert on managing your memory. (images L-R from Reber Yoga and Amazon)
As I shared earlier, the Southborough Senior Center is holding programs over zoom for current members of the Friends of the Council on Aging.* In this post, I’ll focus on classes related to improving health and wellness. Programs include two meant to help seniors exercise their bodies (Yoga and Stretch Class) and one to exercise their memories.
For all of the program below, pre-registration is required through the Senior Center at 508-229-4453. (Sign up opened yesterday morning.) For the exercise classes, payments should be mailed in prior to the start of the first class. (The memory program is free of charge.)
Stretch Break Class
Monday and Wednesdays at 10:15 am September 21st through October 28th. (No class on Columbus Day, October 12th)
Suggested Donation for the six week session is $33.00
The stretch class consists of mat based (and standing as well), flexibility, mobility and stability exercises. Participants should have a chair, pillow or strap (can be a necktie or belt). Props will be utilized for a complete and total body functional class.
It is pitched as for seniors at all fitness levels, but there are some caveats. You must be able to get onto the floor/mat and back up, plus bear weight on hands and knees in a “tabletop” position. If you have any orthopedic issues, please discuss them with instructor before taking the class so she can adapt any necessary modifications for you. (The Senior Center can help you get in touch to discuss concerns.)
The class is led by Instructor Sharon Longo, who has been teaching and training for over 30 years. (For more details see image right.)
Seated Chair Yoga
Thursdays at 1:00 – 2:00 pm from September 24th through October 29th
Suggested Donation for the six week session is $18
A 6-week Yoga class for beginners to more experienced yogis.
Have fun while enjoying the benefits of movement, calming the mind, and relaxation. Stretch, twist and lengthen your bodies through a series of easy to follow repetitive movements. Combine with inhales and exhales, working with props to get the most out of every movement. The class begins with a medication and gentle warm-up to an easy flow of postures (depending on experience level) and ending in a final relasation of Savasana.
The class is led by Instructor Rebecca Reber, who has been practicing yoga for about 15 years. (For more details see image right.)
Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory
Tuesday, September 29 at 3:00 pm – Free program
Presentation by the author of Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Do About It.
Dr. Andrew Budson will explain how individuals can distinguish changes in memory due to Alzheimer’s versus normal aging, what medications, vitamins, diets, and exercise regimes can help, and the best habits, strategies, and memory aids to use, in seven simple steps.
Educated at Haverford College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Budson is the Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Director of Education at the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Professor of Neurology at Boston University, and a Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School.
*The Senior Center newsletter explains that they can only take registrations from current members of Friends of COA. They won’t begin accepting new members until October. (See blurb right from the newsletter.)
