Iowa City Senior Center September-October 2025 Program Guide

Stepping On Fall Prevention Workshop Fridays, Oct 10 - Nov 21, 9-11 am Location: Assembly Room Register online: https://bit.ly/4fqKDMi Instructors: Bailey Rickels & Dr. Colette Galet, Certified Instructors Stepping On is a discussion-based fall prevention program that focuses on the multifaceted complexities of falls. Participants will build balance and strength, and gain practical skills needed to avoid falls. Guest experts (physical therapist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, vision specialist) present throughout the program on how their specialty is related to falls prevention. Fee: $50; pay at registration. Low-income discounts are not available for this program.

STRONG, STEADY & UNBREAKABLE: A 3-part series on staying active and independent as you age This series is presented by Jake Raecker, a physical therapist who works to help older adults age on their own terms. After earning his doctorate from Washington University in 2020, Jake completed a residency in Geriatrics through the Mayo Clinic. Jake has worked in outpatient and hospital settings, and has experience speaking at national physical therapy conferences. Jake owns a practice in Coralville and delivers group and individual fitness training to older adults. Build Better Bones: The Impact of Exercise on Bone Health Thursday, Oct 9, 12-1 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Exercise, specifically weight-bearing and impact exercise, is critical for people wanting to maximize their bone health and avoid fractures as they age. Unfortunately, many people with low bone density, osteopenia, or osteoporosis have been told not to bend, lift, or twist, creating confusion and fear about what they can and can’t do. This class will cover why certain types of movement are helpful for bone health and how you can strengthen your bones as you age. Muscle Matters: Building Strength for Better Aging Thursday, Oct 16, 12-1 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 As we age, muscle loss can significantly impact our health, independence, and quality of life. This engaging lecture explores practical strategies to rebuild muscle through proper nutrition and strength training, and why maintaining muscle is essential for aging well. Join us to gain actionable insights that can help you stay strong, active, and resilient at any age!

Mindfulness Practice Group Tuesdays, 3:30-4 pm Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Emily Edrington Join us for a weekly group practice

incorporating guided meditation and gentle movement. Cultivate your day-to-day skills for living in the present rather than worrying about the future, ruminating on the past, or zoning out on autopilot. This awareness can help us respond wisely to whatever life throws at us. Mindfulness meditation can positively affect focus, stress resilience, physical & mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Laughter Club Wednesdays, 3-3:45 pm Location: Room 103 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Leader: Michelle Buhman

Anyone can laugh for no particular reason. Laughter helps to relieve the effects of stress and is energizing, healing, and brings out our best self. When we laugh together we feel lighter and renewed. Sessions are composed of laughter exercises, deep breathing, and a short meditation. Join us and bring an open mind! Registration required, but you do not have to attend every session.

Build Better Balance Thursday, Oct 23, 12-1 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220

Attendees will learn about the different types of balance our bodies rely on, simple ways to assess your fall risk, and strategies to stay strong, stable, and confident in your movements. Whether you’re looking to reduce your risk of falls or just want to feel more secure day to day, this session will give you tools you can use right away.

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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