The Healthy Aging Association was incorporated in 2000 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. In early 1999, the Stanislaus County Area Aging Agency on Aging contracted with a local certified fitness instructor to design a pilot exercise program for seniors age 60 and over. The result was the formation of Healthy Aging Association's Young At Heart Fitness Classes. All Young at Heart classes are neighborhood based to eliminate the transportation barrier for many community-dwelling older adults. Our Young at Heart program has grown from only 4 class locations to over 30 class locations in Stanislaus County.
Invest in Aging!
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Our goals are fall and disease prevention to help our community live independently longer. We provide fitness classes, educate on healthy living, physical fitness, and disease prevention.
Falls result in major adverse outcomes in older adults such as injury, institutionalization, and sometimes, even death. One third of community-residing adults over over the age of 65 fall each year (Verghese, Holtzer, Lipton, & Wang, 2009). Costs associated with falls among older adults are one of the 20 most medical conditions and is expected to reach $67.7 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). These alarming estimates have led to the development of fall risk assessments and fall prevention programs, such as Young at Heart Fitness Classes. Our Young at Heart Fitness classes are targeted towards physical frailty and functional fitness. The Young at Heart Fitness Programs can help community dwelling older adults, maintain everyday function and help decrease the risk of falling by increasing/maintaining strength, increasing range of motion with stretching, and improve balance with balance activities. Maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance is important to help individuals stay strong, active, and independent. |
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Our 2021-2022 Program Overview
Young at Heart Fitness Classes
After 15 months of a disruption of in-person Young at Heart Strength Training reopening efforts started in July 2021. Since July 2021, 18 class locations were reopened thanks to 38 volunteers completing the 8-hour Young at Heart training to become an instructor
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Go Green for Seniors, Green Bag
The Go Green for Seniors - Green Bag Program gives low income older adults and persons with disabilities 10-pounds of fruits and vegetables once a month. 29,170 pounds of produce distributed in the year. Distribution locations in Modesto, Grayson, Patterson, Oakdale, and Riverbank. |
Line Dancing (NEW)
A new style of exercise was added to our program offerings. This Line Dancing for Exercise class kicked off in June 2022. There was such a demand that another class was started to meet the demand. There are two-once a week classes that meet for one-hour. Participants can expect to learn various dance steps to improve strength, muscle function, balance, and heart health.
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Tai Chi/Tai Ji Quan
This is a Fall Prevention Program that improves strength, mental health, and helps to reduce the likelihood of falling. There are two site locations that meet twice a week for one-hour.
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Young at Heart S.T.E.P.S.
Senior Tracking Exercise in Perfect Strides Two annual 12-week walking challenges are offered to encourage participants to increase their physical activity. Participants receive weekly motivational emails and adherence calls to keep them motivated and to offer them encouragement as they walk and track their miles. Participants can walk anywhere at any time! After the conclusion of the Spring 2022 challenge, we were able to return to an in-person awards ceremony where everyone was celebrated for the hard work they did.
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Dignity At Home Program
This fall prevention program provides home assessments, fall prevention education, with the possibility of injury prevention accessories to qualifying individuals 60 and older or person with disabilities who are at risk of falling in Stanislaus County. July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 74 Total Households Served 61 Fall Prevention Education Presentations 140 Injury Prevention Accessories Installed |