The Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program is sponsored by the Dutchess County Office For the Aging, with partial funding provided by the New York State Office for the Aging and the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Our program mirrors the Tufts University Strong Living Program, an evidence based program for which our coordinator has received training in the curriculum. The program grew out of published research on bone density in older adults. It is designed to counter the effects of osteoporosis and lead to improvement in mobility, muscle strength, stamina, balance and independence.
Participants start with one pound weights and gradually increase the weight when they feel they are able.
OFA also offers Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. The positive effects of tai chi on balance and fall prevention have been widely researched. Tai chi is now generally accepted to be effective in improving balance and preventing falls. According to Harvard Medical School, it’s an exercise within the skill of just about everybody. Tai chi can even be adapted for people in wheelchairs and those who have recently undergone surgery.
Bingocize is OFA's newest health promotion offering. It's a ten-week evidence based program that combines health and nutrition education, bingo and exercise in a way that's beneficial for older adults of all levels of physical and cognitive ability.
The Office for the Aging has a remote exercise option available to any Dutchess County older adult with an internet connection. It's called SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life. SAIL covers strength, balance and fitness for older adults. SAIL has been approved by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) (previously known as the Administration on Aging) as an evidence-based program. SAIL classes are held on Wednesdays at 10 am and Fridays at 2:30 pm. If you have an internet connection and want to know more about how SAIL works, contact OFA at 845-486-2555 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov.
Find out what you need to know about the Senior Exercise Program.
A Matter of Balance is a community class designed to reduce fear of falling, stop the fear of falling cycle, and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults.
Find out what exercises are covered - from warm-up to arm exercises.
Start your exercise program today!
The Dutchess County Office for the Aging operate eight Senior Friendship Centers throughout the county.
