Health and Fitness   

Cuban salsa (casino) is a lively Latin dance rooted in Cuban culture that focuses on rhythm, coordination and improvisation. Rueda de casino is a group dance where participants form a circle, switch partners and perform synchronized moves, fostering teamwork and fun. We will learn these social, joyful dances, beginning with a little merengue to build confidence before progressing to more complex salsa patterns. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to walk, move around the dance floor and lift arms above their heads; accommodations are available.

Tai chi chih consists of 19 movements and one posture and, when done mindfully and with intention, is considered a moving meditation that strengthens the connections between body, mind and spirit. Circulating and balancing chi (life force) are achieved through applying the principles of slowness, continuity, circularity and moving from the center. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to stand for up to 40 minutes before break; a chair may be used if needed. Note: Movements include slow forward/back and side-to-side weight shifts with some arm movement; all are done slowly and softly.

Are you worried about losing your balance? While a common concern for older adults, there are simple ways to improve steadiness and reduce risk of falling. We will learn practical exercises to build strength for stepping safely, improve mobility for day-to-day activities and build confidence around balance. Prerequisites: Exercises will be done seated and standing next to a chair. Participants should be comfortable getting up and down from a chair unassisted and standing for 15 minutes at a time. Notes: As this course is progressive, participants should only sign up if they plan to attend each week. Former participants who wish to repeat this course may sign up during open registration.

Our microbiomes play a key role in overall health. Scientists are still discovering how the presence and diversity of microbial groups can lower chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia and even cancer. Through in-class videos, experts will present information about the microbiome and how diet and lifestyle impact aging. We will also learn how to adapt to a low-inflammation diet. Required textbook: The Abascal Way: To Quiet Inflammation for Health and Weight Loss by Kathy Abascal (2011), ISBN: 978-0978858605.