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Through Oct. 27 — Ventura County Area Agency Tai Chi Classes Start Up Again

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has a new set of Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes starting up in August.

There are six options at four different sites in Ojai, Oxnard and Ventura:

  • HELP of Ojai (108 S. Montgomery Street) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  • County of Ventura California Room (669 County Square Drive) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  • Ventura Church of Christ (5401 N. Bryn Mawr Street) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 10:45 a.m to 12:15 p.m.

Classes, which are free, are designed for individuals 60 and up. Please click on the PDF for additional information, or visit vcaaa.org/falls. To register for most classes, call the VCAAA at (805) 477-7300, option 6, or email Fall.Prevention.Program@ventura.org. For the Tai Chi class being hosted by HELP of Ojai, call (805) 646-5122.

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an exercise program developed especially for older adults using modified practices designed to improve and strengthen balance and mobility. Classes are intended for beginners. Canes and walkers are welcome. This class is proven to reduce falls by 55 percent.

Individuals concerned about falls or those who have recently experienced a fall, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, are encouraged to participate. Nationally recognized research shows that one in four adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. One out of every five falls results in a serious injury, and about three million older people are treated at emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Approximately 32,000 older adults die each year as a result of falls.