Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

AREA AGENCY ON AGING-FIVE COUNTY INVITES SENIORS TO REDUCE THEIR ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

Area Senior’s are invited to participate in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

The Area Agency on Aging offers Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. This free class will allow seniors to share experiences and learn a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a low-impact recreational exercise program that incorporates a brief educational component. It aims to improve functional ability, self-confidence, self-care, mobility, muscle strength, and coordination, while reducing fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

“Studies show that physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis. Physical activity is also important for the management of other chronic conditions that are common among adults with arthritis, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,” said Kristina Raner of the Area Agency on Aging, “Attending AFEP teaches participants how to safely increase their physical activity to manage arthritis and other chronic conditions.”

With multiple exercise activities, including warm-up, range of motion, stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular endurance, and cool down, AFEP is great for adults with arthritis of all activity levels. The exercises can be modified to meet participant needs. The program’s demonstrated benefits include improved functional ability, decreased depression, and increased confidence in one’s ability to exercise.

The Area Agency on Aging-Five County Association of Governments has been providing services to frail elderly and disabled adults for over 20 years. We have an experienced staff with extensive skills and knowledge of community resources who can access these services to meet the needs of the aging population across five counties - Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington - in Southern Utah.