Programs
Secrets of Healthy Aging
A Facilitated Discussion Group for Seniors: only available ONLINE - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607
The Group was initiated in 2002 as a means to decrease the social isolation and resulting depression of seniors in our rural community and to provide a safe, confidential, professionally-facilitated forum for the discussion of topics related to successful aging. The group meets twice monthly, and consists of a one hour facilitated discussion followed by a social pot-luck lunch. A wide variety of discussions have taken place in the Group. Some have explored aging alone or with a partner, the role of Medicare in their health care, dealing with adult children, loss of independence and surviving health crises.
Attendance is free of charge, but donations are appreciated and accepted.
Secrets of Healthy Aging
A Facilitated Discussion Group for Seniors: only available ONLINE - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607
The Group was initiated in 2002 as a means to decrease the social isolation and resulting depression of seniors in our rural community and to provide a safe, confidential, professionally-facilitated forum for the discussion of topics related to successful aging. The group meets twice monthly, and consists of a one hour facilitated discussion followed by a social pot-luck lunch. A wide variety of discussions have taken place in the Group. Some have explored aging alone or with a partner, the role of Medicare in their health care, dealing with adult children, loss of independence and surviving health crises.
Attendance is free of charge, but donations are appreciated and accepted.
Strong Living section
The Strong Living Program is a community-based group exercise program for older adults (40 and over). Available Online - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607. Donation is suggested for attendance.
The program focuses on strength, balance and flexibility exercises for the body. Strength training using ankle weights, dumbbells and the body’s own weight helps to build stronger muscles and bones. Balance exercises are performed to enhance agility and decrease the likelihood of falls; and flexibility exercises are performed to enhance joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury. Exercising in a small group also provides important social contact for older adults and is a key component of the program.
The Strong Living Program is a community-based group exercise program for older adults (40 and over). Available Online - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607. Donation is suggested for attendance.
- Mondays and Thursday 9 am to 10 am
- Mondays and Thursdays 11 am to noon
- The leader is Karen Walter.
- Mondays and Thursdays 6 pm to 7 pm
- The leader is Ronnie Friedman.
The program focuses on strength, balance and flexibility exercises for the body. Strength training using ankle weights, dumbbells and the body’s own weight helps to build stronger muscles and bones. Balance exercises are performed to enhance agility and decrease the likelihood of falls; and flexibility exercises are performed to enhance joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury. Exercising in a small group also provides important social contact for older adults and is a key component of the program.
Tai-Chi Classes - Please call the office for more information (802) 722-3607
We have started a new Tai Chi class for beginners as of the end of March/early April. The course is especially designed for adults 55 and older.
Dozens of studies have shown that practicing the gentle Chinese exercises of Tai Chi can improve physical strength, mobility, flexibility, bone density, and sense of balance. In one study, seniors who practiced a form of Tai Chi regularly were able to reduce their risk of falling by 47%.
The class will be led by Bennett Daviss, a certified chi gong/tai chi instructor with the Oriental Healing Arts Association in New Hampshire; and previously a student in the Long River Tai Chi School in Brattleboro.
Some benefits of regular Tai Chi practice:
We have started a new Tai Chi class for beginners as of the end of March/early April. The course is especially designed for adults 55 and older.
Dozens of studies have shown that practicing the gentle Chinese exercises of Tai Chi can improve physical strength, mobility, flexibility, bone density, and sense of balance. In one study, seniors who practiced a form of Tai Chi regularly were able to reduce their risk of falling by 47%.
The class will be led by Bennett Daviss, a certified chi gong/tai chi instructor with the Oriental Healing Arts Association in New Hampshire; and previously a student in the Long River Tai Chi School in Brattleboro.
Some benefits of regular Tai Chi practice:
- calms the mind
- reduces stress
- stimulates circulation
- improves balance
- increases flexibility
Gentle Yoga
The practice of Yoga was designed as an anti-aging agent. ONLY available ONLINE - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607
Drawing from over 20 years of experience teaching students - from beginner to advanced, children to seniors - Lisa Nigro is able to safely and expertly work with all levels of experience with regard to both inner and outer alignment. Her training in bodywork also gives her a sensitivity to hands-on adjustments so crucial to safety in a yoga class. Lisa also uses all her yogic tools to help students source their inner power and strength through a heart-centered, energized and challenging class which has careful attention to alignment, breath, inner focus & awareness, and most importantly, self-acceptance.
Gentle yoga classes, sponsored by Westminster Cares, are held Mondays at 10 - 11:15 am, at the Westminster Institute on Route 5 in Westminster. The 90 minute classes are $13.00 to drop in or $125 for 10 classes over a 6-month period. For more information or to pre-register please email Westminster Cares or call 722-3607.
The practice of Yoga was designed as an anti-aging agent. ONLY available ONLINE - please call office to receive a digital invite (802) 722-3607
Drawing from over 20 years of experience teaching students - from beginner to advanced, children to seniors - Lisa Nigro is able to safely and expertly work with all levels of experience with regard to both inner and outer alignment. Her training in bodywork also gives her a sensitivity to hands-on adjustments so crucial to safety in a yoga class. Lisa also uses all her yogic tools to help students source their inner power and strength through a heart-centered, energized and challenging class which has careful attention to alignment, breath, inner focus & awareness, and most importantly, self-acceptance.
Gentle yoga classes, sponsored by Westminster Cares, are held Mondays at 10 - 11:15 am, at the Westminster Institute on Route 5 in Westminster. The 90 minute classes are $13.00 to drop in or $125 for 10 classes over a 6-month period. For more information or to pre-register please email Westminster Cares or call 722-3607.