Senior Fitness: Keeping Body And Mind In Shape

Countless studies have found a connection between exercise and better brain health, and San Diegans are fortunate to have a wealth of fitness classes geared toward older adults fighting memory loss. Some are free, and others have fixes fees. Here’s a selection of events:

Movement & Motion

Twice a month, kinesiologists for the Alzheimer’s San Diego present guided movement and exercise classes that focus on balance, stretching, maintaining strength and overall physical health. The 90-minute free classes are held at 10 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at 6632 Convoy Court, San Diego. Call (858) 492-4400.

Feeling Fit Club

The county of San Diego has worked with senior and recreation programs countywide to offer fitness classes geared to homebound fragile adults to improve balance and nutrition, increase strength, reduce falls and broaden social interaction. Hourlong classes are generally taught in the morning hours of 9 to 11 a.m. at area senior centers, library branches and recreation centers. Call (858) 495-5500 or visit Feeling Fit schedule for 2018.

Aquatic therapy programs

YMCA of San Diego County offers swim therapy programs for older adults with arthritis and other disabilities in multiple locations:

• 9410 Fairgrove Lane, Rancho Peñasquitos, (858) 484-8788
• 1201 Paseo Magda, Chula Vista, (619) 421-9622
• 4300 El Cajon Blvd., Mid-City, (619) 280-9622
• 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, (760) 942-9622
• 5505 Friars Road, Mission Valley, (619) 298-3576
• 4390 Valeta St., Ocean Beach, (619) 226-8888

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

The county’s Aging & Independent Services hosts free classes for older adults in the Yang style of tai chi to improve balance and reduce falls. 5560 Overland Ave., Kearny Mesa. (858) 495-5500.

Mall walking groups

• Club Walk, Westfield Plaza Bonita mall — In conjunction with Paradise Valley Hospital, the mall hosts free mall-walking and exercise classes between 8 and 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pre-registration is required. 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, Suite 2075, National City. (619) 470-4346.
• Grossmont Mall Walkers, La Mesa — Free group walking classes on Saturday mornings. Advanced registration required. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. (619) 740-4214.

Community exercise and dance classes

Senior and community centers, hospitals and churches throughout San Diego County offer weekly or monthly exercise, movement and dance classes, as well as onsite fitness rooms for older adults. Here’s contact information for some that offer these services:

Bayside Community Center, Linda Vista — One-hour exercise classes on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. 6882 Linda Vista Road, San Diego. (858) 278-0771.

Carlsbad Senior Center — Fitness room available daily and health screenings. 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad. (760) 602-4650.

Casa de Salud, National City — Bilingual exercise classes for Spanish-speaking seniors, with door-to-door transportation for city residents. 1221 D Ave., National City. (619) 336-6760.

Encinitas Senior Center — Physical fitness program, games and music. 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. (760) 943-2250.

El Corazon Senior Center, Oceanside — Recreational activities and a fitness room. 3302 Senior Center Drive, Oceanside. (760) 435-5300.

Fourth District Seniors Resource Center, Southeast San Diego — Line dancing, tai chi and strength training, glide and stride walkers, personal growth and development classes, table games, pool table and yoga. 570 65th St., San Diego. (619) 266-2066.

Gloria E. McClellan Senior Center, Vista — Recreational and exercise activities. 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. (760) 639-6160.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center, Kearny Mesa — Daily exercise classes, recreation, games and more for older adults with early to moderate stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 8788 Balboa Ave., San Diego. (858) 550-5998.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s North County Inland Center, Poway — Exercise and recreation classes and health screenings. 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway. (858) 674-1123.

Imperial Beach Senior Center — Physical fitness instruction, recreational programs. 1075 Eighth St., Imperial Beach. (619) 424-7077.

La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center — Exercise, dance and recreation programs. 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. (619) 667-1322.

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, La Jolla — Exercise classes. 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. (858) 457-3030.

Lemon Grove Senior Center — Monthly exercise classes. 8235 Mount Vernon St., Lemon Grove. (619) 337-1425.

Neighborhood House Association, Southeast San Diego — Recreation programs. 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. (619) 223-1640.

Norman Park Senior Center, Chula Vista — Physical activities and onsite fitness center offered. 270 F St., Chula Vista. (619) 409-1930.

Park Avenue Community Center, Escondido — Exercise classes, pool room, indoor shuffleboard, health screenings. 210 E. Park Ave., Escondido. (760) 839-4688.

Peninsula Shepherd Center, Ocean Beach — Recreation programs. Free transportation for neighborhood residents. 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. (619) 223-1640.

Poway Senior Center — Recreation programs. 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway. (858) 748-6094.

Ramona Senior Center — Exercise classes and recreation programs. 434 Aqua Lane, Ramona. (760) 789-0440.

Rancho Bernardo Senior Services — Recreational programs. 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego. (858) 487-2640.

Senior Citizen Services, downtown — Senior dances and recreational activities plus referral services to other locations. 202 C St., San Diego. (619) 236-6905.

Sharp Hospital Coronado Gentle Fitness class — Free seated exercise class using elastic bands and exercise balls improves seniors’ muscle strength and range of motion to perform daily activities. Caregivers welcome. 250 Prospect Place, Coronado. (800) 827-4277.

Sherman Heights Community Center — Health and exercises classes for all ages. 2258 Island Ave., San Diego. (619) 232-5181.

Temple Adat Shalom of North County, Poway — This reformed Judaism congregation offers exercise, yoga, meditation and brain games classes for adults 60 years and older of any faith, three times a week. 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway. (858) 451-1200.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com