Swanton, VT- The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging will be offering the Tufts Strong Living program at the Swanton School Apartments community room, beginning December 4. This 12-week session will be held Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 and 10 a.m. Late enrollment is accepted through December 20.

Developed by researchers at Tufts University, the Strong Living Program helps older adults maintain their independence by increasing strength, muscle mass and bone density. Balance exercises enhance agility and decrease the likelihood of falls; flexibility exercises enhance joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury. This is particularly effective for osteo-arthritis sufferers, who benefit from increased pain-free range of motion. Exercises are done seated or standing with the use of a chair or wall for support. Strong Living is not an aerobics fitness program.

Research in aging over the past 20 years has shown conclusively that regular physical activity is THE most important contributor to healthy aging. When we become less active, we lose muscle tone, can’t breathe as well, and are more tired in general. Often we aren’t aware of how much this has affected us until one day we fall and haven’t enough strength to get up off the floor.

The good news is you can get back much of your muscle strength and flexibility, no matter how weak or stiff you’ve become. More good news, almost all medical problems that cause pain, such as arthritis, are helped by regular exercise. Physical activity can make you feel better about yourself, and your life in general, than you have in years.

For more information or to register, call Rhonda Somers-Fletcher at CVAA 1-800-642-5119. Class size is limited. Suggested donation for the 24 sessions is $48 and is open to adults age 50 and older. To enroll, participants must obtain written consent from their doctor.

This class is no longer active, for a current list of programs, click here.