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LIFE Center aims to keep older adults light on their feet

Marion Snuggs stays functionally fit at Sac State's LIFE Center

Participants of the “Balance and Fall Risk Reduction” class will be keeping light on their feet with help from Sacramento State’s LIFE Center.

The LIFE Center is a program of the College of Health and Human Services. It’s run by faculty and students, and aims to provide community based programs and services for older adults.  

The “Balance and Fall Risk Reduction” class is meant to help strengthen its participants. Students will work on balance stances, flexibility exercises and strength exercises, says Jennifer Piatt, LIFE Center director and faculty member of the Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration department. The six-week course begins Oct. 16 and costs $125. Classes will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2 p.m. at the East Portal Park Clubhouse.

 For many of the students, the classes offered by the LIFE Center help them maintain an active and independent lifestyle, Piatt says.

“The biggest thing with the LIFE Center is the individual experience,” she says, “Participants really enjoy it.”

With only eight spots for enrollment, there will be plenty of individual assistance. A balance assessment done prior to the beginning of classes will also help tailor the activities specifically to the students’ needs, says Physical Therapy professor Brad Stockert, who will conduct the assessments.

Participants will also receive some education in the class helping them to identify potential hazards, says Stockert. The educational component can help them avoid situations that are high risk while the exercise can help improve their balance and response to adverse situations.

More than anything, though, the class is beneficial in that it is a great opportunity for socialization, he says.

“It’s a chance to socialize, get a little more education and work on balance,” Stockert says.

The LIFE Center also offers a “Stretching and Strengthening” class, a “Balance and Fitness” class and yoga this fall semester.