Free Fall Prevention classes help seniors with aging process
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— Carpinteria is offering free classes to its residents geared around strengthening the mind and body connection.
Popular kids songs echoed throughout Cynthia Macias’ Mind-Body-Balance class Tuesday morning.
It’s all a part of her effort to invoke a feeling of nostalgia to help seniors build new neural pathways in the brain and to provide support with the aging process.
“The more we incorporate lots of senses when we're building those neuroconnectors, the more likely it is to stick…. We're building neural pathways using old memories, muscle memory is a great way to target that with what people who have experienced these earlier in their childhoods,” said Cynthia Macias, Owner of The Gym Next Door.
Seated exercises centered around fall prevention and neuroplasticity helps seniors like Kathy Escobar.
“I have had a broken ankle, so the balance issues are a lot for me. The cross brain, we all need it as we get older,” said Kathy Escobar, who has lived in Carpinteria for years.
Escobar says some young people don’t realize the mobility issues that arise with aging.
“When you're young, we don't think about it. I heard giggling back here and he said, this will help you with your driving, you know, turning. And I heard the young girls do that because I think what's that all about? Cause they're they're 20 years old, right?” said Escobar.
The exercises here don’t only help with the mind-body connection. They also help with human connection.
“Because that class is so beneficial and it's so calming always. I think it gives all of us a chance to just be happy to be together afterwards. This little endorphin thing that happens,” said Carpinteria resident Jenny McCurry.
“It helps me with my my muscles, my I have to get really strong because I help my husband. He's disabled, so it's really beneficial for that aspect,” said Patricia Cloud, who lives in Carpinteria.
Classes begin at 11 am every Tuesday at Carpinteria’s Veterans Memorial Building.
