Fitness, Health, and Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

Fitness and Fall Prevention Programs:
Young at Heart Strength Training | Tai Chi | YAH S.T.E.P.S. | Walking Routes | A Matter of Balance | Dignity At Home - Fall Prevention
Health & Nutrition Programs:
Go Green for Seniors - Green Bag Program | Food Smarts Course
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We are dedicated to providing quality programs for older adults here in our community. Our focus is Fitness, health and fall prevention programs. We have many different programs, we are sure to have one that fits your needs and goals.

Fitness and Fall Prevention Programs

Have you noticed your body becoming a little stiff? Is your balance and strength just not what it used to be? Do not fear, you are not alone. Many people have not been as active as they hoped to be over the years. However, you can feel better, improve your balance and strength by adding physical activity into your weekly routine. We have many options for you ranging from exercise by yourself indoors, walking outside, or joining an online class.

We have 4 options to help you achieve your fitness goals:
1) Young at Heart Strength Training
2) Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
3) Young at Heart S.T.E.P.S. 12-Week Walking Challenges
4) A Matter of Balance
Continue scrolling for more details on the above programs.
1) Young at Heart Strength Training (YAH)
These fitness classes have been in Stanislaus County since 2000. Each year over 1,300 older adults participate in our 30+ community based classes. Each class meets for one-hour and are lead by trained and certified volunteer instructors. This program is a practice tested intervention that has been shown to reduce the risk of falling.

Here are three links to better assist you;
***Due to COVID-19, effective March 2020 all in-person Young at Heart classes have been put on hold. New Online, Virtual classes have been added.
Here are five things that make YAH unique:
1. The class focuses on the full body and works on strength, balance, and flexibility. 
2. The goal of the program is to keep participants functioning and to help reduce the risk of falling.
3. The class uses resistance tubes (4 levels of resistance) instead of free weights to reduce injury, to be used by even the most arthritic hands, and for easy storage.
4. The class is a place of group camaraderie and many participants have stated that these classes help reduce depression and help them to be more social.
​5. Classes run on participant donations, we recommend $2.00 a week if the participant can afford it.
How to join a YAH Class
  • Select a class location. Call (209)525-4670 to find a location closest to you, or find a class by zip code by clicking the following: Class Locations
  • Purchase your equipment (Tubes are used in every class) by calling the office (209)525-4670 or by purchasing from our website by clicking the following: Class Equipment
  • Arrive at your class 15 minutes early to complete the pre-class paperwork and registration. 
  • There are no registration fees, so come and join the fun!
2) Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Try this effective exercise program for preventing falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention works through improving balance, confidence and muscular strength. These classes are typically offered through-out the community. Due to COVID-19 all in-person community classes have been put on hold. This program is now being offered in a "live" virtual format utilizing the Zoom platform. For more information please contact Healthy Aging Association at (209)525-4670.
3) Walking Challenges & Safe Walking Routes
Walking is the easiest way to get active and improve your health. No equipment is needed to start walking, just a good pair of comfortable and secure shoes and a little motivation. Many people struggle with motivation to get moving and to stay active. That is why we created tools to help you be a little more successful in reaching your walking goals. We have our S.T.E.P.S. Walking Challenges and Safe Walking Routes to assist you. 
S.T.E.P.S. 12-Week Walking Challenges
(Seniors Tracking Exercise in Perfect Strides)
We offer two annual 12-week walking challenges to encourage and motivate participants to increase their physical activity level in their own neighborhood, at a local park, by utilizing our S.T.E.P.S. Safe Walking Routes, or by walking in the Vintage Faire Mall. During the challenge we offer motivational emails and accountability phone calls. At the end of the challenge we bring everyone together for an Awards brunch, where we recognize all our walkers and reward them for their miles walked.

This program is offered twice a year in partnership with Central Valley Medical Group, The Vintage Faire Mall, and Casa de Modesto.
Two Links To Assist You:
S.T.E.P.S. Safe Walking Routes
Healthy Aging Association saw there was a need for measured, accurate, and safe walking routes for older adults to walk. Due to this need, brochures were created in partnership with City Parks and Recreation to provide routes with smooth walking surfaces, places to rest, areas to re-hydrate, and with protected/safe intersections. ​We encourage older adults and their community to organize walking groups and walk for health and wellness in their surrounding community.
*All Materials and Brochures Funded by USDA SNAP-ED, an equal opportunity provider and employer

Download our S.T.E.P.S. Safe Walking Routes Tri-Folds Today!
4) Dignity At Home - Fall Prevention
Healthy Aging Association is collaborating with the Stanislaus Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide you with a new available program called Dignity At Home Fall Prevention (available starting August 1, 2020)
​The Dignity At Home program provides in-home environmental assessments, fall prevention education, and injury prevention accessories to qualifying individuals 60 and older or persons with disabilities who are at risk of falling in Stanislaus County.
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Dignity At Home Program Guidelines: 
  1. Be at least 60 years of age or disabled
  2. At a risk of falling or have had a fall
  3. ​Fully vaccinated from COVID-19
  4. Meet the household income guidelines
​​         1 person - $3,263 or less
       2 people - $3,729 or less
       3 people - $4,196 or less
       4 people - $4,658 or less
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What the program involves:
  • Phone interview to qualify.
  • In-home environmental assessment.
  • Education and information on fall prevention.
  • If recommended, installation of injury prevention accessories.
Potential Injury Prevention Accessories:
  • Bath bench or shower chair
  • Hand-held shower head 
  • Non-slip bath mat
  • Bedside pole
  • Toilet rails
  • Grab bars
To get this process started, contact the Senior Information Line at (209)558-8698.
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5) A Matter of Balance - An Evidence Based Program
This program is specifically designed for older adults to increase their physical activity level and to help reduce their fear of falling. These classes consist of eight 2-hour sessions with small in-person group discussion. *Due to COVID-19 all in-person classes have been put on hold since March 2020.​​
  • Class participants will learn to view falls as controllable, be able to set goals for increasing activity and find ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors.
  • This program is designed for older adults who are concerned about falls, have had a fall, and maybe have restricted activities because of concerns about falling.
  • These classes are typically taught in a small in-person group setting. New starting in 2021, classes will be offered in a virtual format, from the comfort of your own home.
  • Click here to see how this program has impacted your peers in our community (MOB Storybook)
  • Download the Program Brochure today (Outside/Inside)
  • Contact Healthy Aging Association at (209)525-4670 for more information and on class availability. Sessions typically run in the Spring and Fall.
Upcoming A Matter of Balance Classes
*check back in 2021 or call our office to be put on the contact list for when our classes resume.
Class Site   |   Class Poster with details
A Matter of Balance Virtual (MOB) *New program, classes starting in March 2021*
9-week class offered on Zoom
First Pilot Class: March 12th - May 7, 2021 (CLASS IS AT CAPACITY)
To join the next class, please call (209)525-4670 to be added to the waiting list

Health & Nutrition

Physical activity is so very important, but it works best when paired with a health and nutritious lifestyle. Nothing in this life can work alone or by ones self and that goes for your body as well. Practicing good nutrition habits and pairing it with an active lifestyle could lead to a longer, healthier, more independent life. So take a look at what we offer to help you lead a healthier life.

We have 2 options to help you lead a healthier lifestyle
1) "Go Green for Seniors"- Green Bag Program
2) Food Smarts Course (Leah's Pantry)
Continue scrolling for more details on the above programs.

Nutrition Education funded in part by USDA SNAP-Ed, an equal opportunity provider and employer​
1) "Go Green for Seniors" Fruit and Vegetable Distribution
This program offers 10 pound bags of fruits and vegetables to income qualifying individuals over the age of 60 once a month. At each distribution, participants gain useful nutrition information and tips and tricks to be healthier. The program typically consist of a 30-minute nutrition presentation followed by the distribution of fruits and vegetables provided in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. A special thanks to our program sponsors for making this program possible: MTC Distributing and the Stanislaus Senior Foundation.

Here are three links to better assist you:
How to join in the Green Bag Program
Meet the following Guidelines:
  • Be at least 60 years of age and/or disabled
  • Meet the monthly annual household income guidelines (updated 7.1.2020):
    • 1 person -  $2,083 or less
    • 2 people - $2,379 or less

Please note the following for participation in the program:
  • Must stay for the entire nutrition presentation.
  • Only one bag per household.
  • Can only attend one distribution location. 
  • Must call (209)525-4670 24-hours in advanced to reserve your bag.
Green Bag Distribution Locations, Dates and Times
All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact (209)525-4670 prior to attending your first distribution.
  • Modesto - Stanislaus Veterans Centers
    • ​3500 Coffee Road, Suite 19, Modesto 95355
    • Typically the third Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m.
  • Modesto - Ralston Tower Senior Housing
    • ​900 17th Street, Modesto 95354
    • Typically the third Wednesday of the Month
    • *Due to COVID-19 closed to residents only.
  • Grayson - United Community Center
    • 8900 Laird Street, Grayson 95363
    • Typically the third Wednesday of the month at 11:15 a.m.
    • Program is offered in English and Spanish
  • Patterson - Hammon Senior Center
    • 1033 W. Las Palmas, Patterson 95363
    • Typically the third Wednesday of the month at 12:45 p.m.
    • Program is offered in English and Spanish​
  • Oakdale - Glady's L. Lemmons Senior Center
    • 450 E. A Street, Oakdale 95361
    • Typically the third Thursday of the month at 10:45 a.m.
  • Riverbank - Riverbank Community Center
    • ​3600 Santa Fe, Riverbank
    • Typically the third Thursday of the month at 12:15 p.m.
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2) Food Smarts Online Course - Leah's Pantry
This 5-week online nutrition course is specifically designed for older adults. Program participants will learn how to plan balanced and tasty meals, learn simple strategies to eat healthy, and will be able to participate in discussion and activities. Join this online class from the comfort of your own home, each session is less than an hour long and includes food demonstrations. For more information call us at (209)525-4670 or email healthy.aging2000@gmail.com
*Funded by USDA SNAP-ED, an equal opportunity provider and employer

Here are two links filled with more information about the course: