CALL CENTER: 800-339-4661

Healthy Living

The Health Promotion Team provides programs specifically for older adults to manage chronic conditions, improve physical functioning, increase socialization, and prevent falls. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of older adults in San Diego County so they will remain independent. Learn more about programs offered below. 

Staying Active

Feeling Fit Club

The Feeling Fit Club is a functional Fitness Program designed for older adults of all abilities. The goals of the program are to offer a safe, comfortable environment for older adults to engage in physical activity as well as to help older adults develop and maintain their level of physical fitness. In addition to learning about the benefits of exercise, health, and fitness components, this program encourages social interaction, fun, and help to build self-esteem. 

The classes include 4 core components: strength (upper body, lower body, and core), balance, aerobic endurance, and flexibility. All moves and exercises are designed to be adapted to various physical abilities and can be performed from a seated or standing position. Program evaluation has shown improvement in participants’ strength, flexibility, balance, and ability to perform activities of daily living. 

The Feeling Fit Club program is delivered through four methods. Explore the method that will work best for you:

Expand All | Collapse All

Expand All | Collapse All

  • On TV

    Feeling Fit Club is available via Public Access Television (Monday through Friday at 8am, 1pm, and 4pm). The following channels host the show. Please be aware that Feeling Fit Club on TV is subject to being preempted:

    • Cox Channels 19 and 24
    • Spectrum Channels 24 and 85
    • AT&T U-Verse Channel 99

     

  • DVD for Home Use

    For older adults who are homebound or for whom the above formats will not work for them, the DVD can be sent to them along with a stretch band for home exercise. The DVD/Video is the same as the TV show (all 5 episodes).

    To request a Feeling Fit Club DVD and/or stretch band for home use, email the Health Promotion Team or call 858-495-5500. 

     

   

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

Tai Chi for Arthritis is an evidence-based falls prevention program that utilizes the Sun style of Tai Chi. Movements are taught to both left and right sides and with turns to move forward and backward to improve mobility and offer a variety of combinations. This program has been shown to improve movement, balance, strength, and flexibility; offer relaxation; and decrease pain and falls. This program is appropriate for adults with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions, joint involvement and back pain, and those at a higher risk of falling. 

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Current Classes

    Classes are free and meet for one hour, two times a week for approximately 12 weeks (end dates are subject to change in the event of class cancellations)

    Virtual

     

    Park Avenue Community Center  (Host Site) *ENGLISH COHORT

    • Day of the week: Every Tuesday
    • Time: 9:15 am - 10:15 am
    • Location: 210 East Park Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025

     

    Park Avenue Community Center (Host Site)  *SPANISH COHORT

    • Day of the week: Every Thursday 
    • Time: 9:15 am - 10:15 am
    • Location: 210 East Park Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025

     

    Alga Norte Community Park (Host Site)

    • Days of the week: Every Tuesday and Thursday
    • Time: 8:30 am – 9:30 am
    • Location: 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009
    • Registration: click here (activity code 21122)

     

    Pine Avenue Community Center & Park (Park Amphitheater) (Host Site)

    • Days of the week: Every Tuesday and Thursday
    • Time: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
    • Location: 3209 Harding Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008 *Outdoor class
    • Register: click here  (activity code 21088)

     

    Salvation Army El Cajon (Host Site) 

    • Days of the week: Every Tuesday and Thursday
    • Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    • Location: 1025 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92021

     

    For for information, email the Health Promotion Team or call 858-495-5500.

   

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) is a modified version of the Yang style of Tai Chi that commonly is done using either 108, or, in the “short form,” 24 different positions. TCMBB further simplifies the traditional style and has only 8 essential positions, moving in a slow, flowing, and controlled fashion. This program was developed by Dr. Fuzhong Li at Oregon Research Institute (ORI) and was designed especially for older adults to reduce their risk of falls. Evidence suggests, participating in TCMBB reduces falls and fear of falling; and increases functional balance and physical performance.

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Current Classes

    Classes are free and meet for one hour, two times per week for approximately 24 weeks (end dates are subject to change in the event of class cancellations).

    Fallbrook Community Center (Host Site) 

    • Days of the week: Every Monday and Wednesday
    • Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
    • Location: 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028 

     

    Park De La Cruz Community Center (Host Site) 

    • Days of the week: Every Monday and Thursday 
    • Time: Monday and Thursday, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
    • Location: 3901 Landis St, San Diego, CA 92105
    • Register: click here

     

    Salvation Army El Cajon (Host Site) 

    • Days of the week: Every Tuesday and Thursday
    • Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    • Location: 1025 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92021

     

    Mission Valley Branch Library (Host Site)

    • Days of the week: Every Monday and Thursday 
    • Time: Monday 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and Thursday (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)
    • Location: 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108

     

    Imperial Beach Library (Host Site) 

    • Days of the week: Every Tuesday and Thursday 
    • Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    • Location: 810 Imperial Beach Boulevard, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

     

    For more information, email the Health Promotion Team or call 858-495-5500.

   

Local Walking Groups

Walking groups are a great way to maintain your health and independence while socializing with others. Regular physical activity can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, slow osteoporosis, improve cognitive functioning and boost your mood. Ready to walk and talk?

   

Courses to Manage Your Health

Healthier Living with Chronic Conditions 

An Evidence-Based self-management program originally developed at Stanford University, now managed by the Self-Management Resource Center this program designed for people with chronic conditions as well as their family members and caregivers. Chronic conditions may include but are not limited to arthritis, depression, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, etc. This program has been proven to achieve positive health outcomes and reduced health care expenditures. The program is led by two trained peer educators, who may also have a chronic condition.

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Class Topics

    Topics include:

    • Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation
    • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
    • Appropriate use of medications
    • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
    • Nutrition
    • Decision making
    • How to evaluate new treatments

     

  • Upcoming Classes

    Dan McKinney Family YMCA (Host Site) - Started September 13th

    • Dates: Fridays; 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18
    • Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
    • Location: 8355 Cliffridge Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
    • Register here (search instructor name OTHTNXEINJ1053)

     

    Jackie Robinson YMCA (Host Site) - Started September 9th

    • Dates: Mondays; 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14
    • Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
    • Location: 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102
    • Register here

     

    Escondido Library (Host Site) - Starting October 9th

    • Dates: Wednesdays; 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13
    • Time: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
    • Location: 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025
    • Register here

     

    Encinitas Senior and Community Center (Host Site) - Starting October 10th

    • Dates: Thursdays; 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14
    • Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
    • Location: 1140 Oakcrest Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
    • Register here

     

    Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops, with dates and details coming soon.

   

Healthier Living with Diabetes

An Evidence-Based self-management program originally developed at Stanford University, now managed by the Self-Management Resource Center, designed for people with Type 2 Diabetes as well as their family members and caregivers. This program has been proven to achieve positive health outcomes and reduced health care expenditures. The program is led by two trained peer educators, who may also have diabetes.

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Class Topics

    Topics include:

    • Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration
    • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
    • Healthy eating
    • Appropriate use of medication
    • Working more effectively with health care providers
    • Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. 

     

  • Upcoming Classes

    Fallbrook Regional Healthcare District - Community Health & Wellness Center (Host Site) - Starting October 16th

    • Fechas: Wednesdays, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
    • Tiempo: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
    • Ubicación: 1636 East Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028
    • Register: click here

     

    San Ysidro High School - Centro de Padres (sitio anfitrión del programa) - a partir del 11 de octubre!

    • Fechas: Los viernes; 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15
    • Tiempo: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
    • Ubicación: 5353 Airway Road, San Diego, CA 92154

     

    Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops, with dates and details coming soon.

Healthier Living with Chronic Pain

An Evidence-Based self-management program originally developed at Stanford University, now managed by the Self-Management Resource Center for people experiencing chronic pain as well as their family members and caregivers. This program has been proven to achieve positive health outcomes and reduced health care expenditures. The program is led by two trained peer educators, who may also have chronic pain or another chronic condition.

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Class Topics

    Topics include:

    • Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep
    • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
    • Appropriate use of medications
    • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
    • Nutrition
    • Pacing activity and rest
    • How to evaluate new treatments 

     

  • Upcoming Classes

    San Ysidro High School - Centro de Padres (sitio anfitrión del programa) - a partir del 8 de octubre!

    • Fechas: Los martes; 10/8, 10/15, 10/22,10/29, 11/5, 11/12
    • Tiempo: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
    • Ubicación: 5353 Airway Road, San Diego, CA 92154

     

    Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops, with dates and details coming soon.

Get Involved!

To meet the needs of older adults, caregivers, and others, Aging & Independence Services (AIS) provides free Healthier Living with Chronic Disease, Diabetes, and Chronic Pain workshops in partnership with host sites. Each workshop series consists of six (6) sessions that occur once a week for 2.5 hours. Workshops are fun, highly interactive, and focus on support, skill development, sharing and building confidence to manage a chronic health challenge. Workshops can be delivered virtually or in-person and are available in English and Spanish. Participants receive a free book and relaxation CD for their participation. Host site requirements include providing free, dedicated space for workshops to meet and helping to advertise the program. If you are interested in becoming a host site for this program, please complete the online application below.

Healthier Living is a peer-led program. AIS accepts applications for new peer leaders on a continuous basis and will select the most qualified candidates for training. Training to become a peer leader is available in two formats: in-person and virtual. In-person is comprised of four full days of interactive training at the County Operations Center, 5550 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123. Virtual is comprised of 7 consecutive weeks and meet for 2.5 hours twice a week (13 meetings total). Leaders are required to attend all days of training to receive certification. If you are interested in becoming a peer leader, please complete the online application below. *Stipends are available for peer leaders. 

Nutrition Services

Meals & Senior Dining

Proper nutrition is essential to health and wellbeing. Aging & Independence Services and community partners are working closely to ensure that older adults have their nutrition needs met during this difficult time. Click below to learn more about senior dining centers and nutrition services in the county. 

   

CalFresh Healthy Living

CalFresh Healthy Living (SNAP-Ed) is dedicated to helping make the healthy choice the easy choice for older adults and adults with disabilities in San Diego County. The program aims to empower Cal-Fresh eligible communities lead healthy and active lifestyles by providing nutrition education, and supporting policy, system, and environmental changes that can improve access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. 

   

Committees and Coalitions

Aging & Independence Services hosts the Health Promotion Committee and the Fall Prevention Task Force. We invite you to participate and be part of a network of older adults, health, and other community organizations. To learn more about meetings, email the Health Promotion Team or call 858-495-5500.

Expand All | Collapse All

  • Fall Prevention Task Force

    Mission: Reduce falls and their devastating consequences in San Diego County.

    Task Force members work on special projects, do presentations in the community, and work with AIS on our fall prevention programs.

    Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. 

    Meeting Details > 

   

Quick Links

Fall Prevention

      

Volunteering