‘A Matter of Balance’ classes resume in person

The Office for the Aging’s (OFA) popular “A Matter of Balance” program is getting ready for a series of in-person classes, which returned in Poughkeepsie on March 7.

Two additional sessions of “A Matter of Balance” began again in mid-March; one in Fishkill, another in Rhinebeck.

Prospective participants in any class must contact the OFA at 845-486-2555 to sign up. Space is limited by social distancing and class size requirements. Specific class locations and times will be disclosed upon acceptance to the program. The classes prohibit walk-in participants. Advance registration is a must!

Fall prevention programs like “A Matter of Balance” have become increasingly essential in recent years for older adults, many of whom have found it difficult to maintain pre-pandemic levels of physical activity.

“A Matter of Balance” is designed to reduce the fear of falling, stop the fear-of-falling cycle and improve activity levels among older adults living in the community.

Read more about “A Matter of Balance” and find a printable application for prospective participants at www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging/OFA-A-Matter-of-Balance.

Physical therapy and arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that affects many adults in the United States.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all adults 65 or older have been told they have some type of arthritis. Pain due to arthritis can impact daily tasks, but there are resources that can help improve your quality of life.   

The Office of the Aging is teaming with Marist Doctorate of Physical Therapy students Lilian Tang and Ksenia Mack for an in-person presentation about how physical therapy can help manage pain for those with arthritis.

As students in their third and final year, Lilian and Ksenia will be using their knowledge and experience to cover topics about medication use, nutrition, exercise and tools to help improve daily living.

Please join us in an informative and fun conversation on Tuesday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the Poughkeepsie Friendship Center.

Space is limited to 20 participants; to reserve your seat, call OFA at 845-486-2555.

OFA presentations to continue

We’ve noticed a resumption of interest in Office for the Aging presentations from area seniors’ groups, many of which suspended operations or changed to remote gatherings earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we continue to be watchful for further developments, there are plenty of opportunities to arrange for an OFA speaker to come to your event.

If your group is already familiar with OFA speakers, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve added to our repertoire of presentations during the past two years.

Contact OFA Outreach Coordinator Brian Jones at 845-486-2544 or bjones@dutchessny.gov for more information.

Golden Living is prepared by Dutchess County OFA Director Todd N. Tancredi; be reached at 845-486-2555, ofa@dutchessny.gov or via the OFA website at www.dutchessny.gov/aging.