"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength."
-Betty Friedan
The High Country Area Agency on Aging is committed to supporting older adults in the High Country Region by providing access to health and wellness programs that have been proven to increase balance, decrease the risk of falling, and help you stay independent!
The programs supported by the High Country Area Agency on Aging are based on scientific evidence which have been rigorously tested and proven to provide positive health results for participants. Classes are fun, empowering, provide peer support and will help you achieve better health.
In partnership with the local community, the High Country supports a suite of programs aimed to assist older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers in maintaining health and wellness, reducing the risk of disease and falls, and offering effective interventions to promote safety and independence. Programs are offered at no cost and are provided by trained instructors in our community.
Balance and Wellness Classes:
A Matter of Balance
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Developed by MaineHealth, A Matter of Balance is an eight-session program that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants Learn to view falls and fear of falling as manageable through group discussions, peer support, and skill building. Click here to learn more about A Matter of Balance. This is an entry-level wellness and fall prevention program for those who may be at higher risk, may need to engage in gentle activity first, and may have a fear of falling. |
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
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Recommended by the Centers for Disase Control and Prevention, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is a twenty-session program designed to improve stability, aerobic conditioning, relaxation, flexibility, and overall health. Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of the mind and body. Numerous medical studies show the overwhelming benefits of Tai Chi, especially when modified to address specific health conditions such as balance issues or arthritis. Learn more about Tai Chi here. Tai Chi for Arthritis is ideal for adults who are at a low/moderate risk of falling and want to increase balance, flexibility, relaxation, and stamina. |
Walk With Ease |
Developed by the Arthritis Foundation, Walk With Ease (WWE) has been proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve your overall health. This six-week program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. This program includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health! You can complete this program on your own with the self-directed option or click here to find out where Walk With Ease is near you! WWE is ideal for those with arthritis pain and a desire to increase balance, strength, and walking pace. |
Educational and Mental Wellness Programs:
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
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This award-winning curriculum was developed by Iowa State University with the goal of giving caregivers skills to take care of themselves while caring for someone else. This six-session program aims to give caregivers the tools to reduce stress, improve communication, locate helpful resources, make tough decisions, manage time, set goals, and solve problems. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Learn more about Powerful Tools for Caregivers here. This program is ideal for adult children of aging parents, spouses/partners, caregivers of children with special health and behavioral needs, and caregivers of adults with disabilities. |
North Carolina Caregiver Portal (also known as TRUALTA) |
The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adults Services has partnered with Trualta to offer an easy-to-use, personalized, and evidence-based on-demand learning platform for caregivers in North Carolina. The North Carolina Caregiver Portal is designed by healthcare professionals and provides caregivers with professional-level healthcare training for the family member audience. The platform addresses real issues, showing you how with in-depth lessons, practical steps, and guided support from a care manager. Click this link to create an account and gain full access to the portal for free. This tool is ideal for unpaid caregivers of family, friends, and loved ones. Learn at your own pace with guidance with specific personalized recommendations.
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All Programs Mentioned Above are Offered at No Cost to Older Adults or Caregivers in the High Country. Programs are taught by certified instructors/volunteers from the community. To learn more about how to become an instructor or partner, please contact Sia Beasley at sbeasley@hccog.org.
See below for a schedule of fall prevention classes in the High Country:
