Have you considered joining the County Seniors Centre? Through this new initiative Community Care offers social and recreational activities close to where seniors live.

The County Seniors Centre presents a “Meditation Demonstration for Seniors” Sept. 5 in North Marysburgh and Sept. 12 in Wellington. The leader will demonstrate how to meditate through attention to posture, breathing and the basics of secular Tibetan traditions that go back 2,500 years. Research suggests meditation can improve cognitive functioning, relieve stress, reduce chronic pain and anxiety, enhance healing, improve your mood and help you appreciate and enjoy your life. This class will include sitting and walking, a tea break and the opportunity to discuss meditation.

The Sept. 5 event will be held at the North Marysburgh Hall at 10 a.m. and the Sept. 12 demonstration will be at 10 .a.m in the Wellington Town Hall. Advance registration is required. Meditation classes for seniors begin Sept. 20. These demonstration classes are an opportunity for you to try meditation and see if you wish to sign up for the series.

Tai Chi for seniors

Beginner and continuation Tai Chi classes are held regularly through the County Seniors Centre. Tai Chi is a way to help seniors stay fit and flexible. Tai Chi is a low-impact form of exercise, but it is also a weight bearing exercise, which is an important component of managing osteoporosis.

Some of the benefits of Tai Chi are: better balance, which lowers the risk for falls, less pain and stiffness, stress relief and increased calmness and sense of well-being. And to top it off, it also helps to improve memory. No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome.

If you’re a senior who would benefit from Tai Chi and would like to sign up, call the County Seniors Centre at the Community Care office, 613-476-7493. Space is limited and it is recommended to sign up early. The next session starts Sept. 17. Membership in the County Seniors Centre is $25 per year per person. For a membership application form and a full schedule of upcoming programming see the special page on the web site at www. communitycareforseniors.org, like the Facebook page (search for County Seniors Centre) or drop in at 74A King Street in Picton or call 613-476-7493.

VON falls prevention

The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) offers the Seniors’ Exercise & Falls Prevention program. The Ontario government thinks that falls prevention is important enough to fund this program. For that reason the VON can offer the program for free.

It is a 12-week program that includes an innovative educational component and also includes balance and strength exercises. The program starts Friday, Sept. 7 and will be held in the office of Community Care located at 74A King Street in Picton.

Classes will be held Fridays from 9:30am to 11:30am. To register or to get more information call the VON at 1-888-279-4866 ext. 5381. Space is limited so call today.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes