ALAMOSA — Here we are at the end of January, and 2020 is well underway and there are many wonderful activities for you to participate in at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center.

If someone is looking to improve and maintain his or her health, one may want to join the Alamosa Senior Center for Strong Bones, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Chair Yoga and Ear Acupuncture.

Strong Bones is held each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 am. 

Participants enjoy many health benefits such as: improved bone density, reduction of falls, improved flexibility, and increased strength.

Tai Chi takes place Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and helps to increase flexibility, improve and maintain balance, improve muscle strength, reduce anxiety stress and depression, enhance bone health and reduce inflammation.

Line dancing begins each Tuesday at 10 a.m. Some of the health benefits of line dancing include: cardiovascular, muscular strength and flexibility become better; high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and high triglyceride levels, as well as high blood sugar levels can all improve; improves lung capacity and bone strength can increase. The social aspects of taking a class in line dance help to increase one’s sense of well-being and the camaraderie one has is wonderful for his or her health.

Chair yoga takes place each Monday at 8:30 a.m. Yoga is an excellent way for older adults to loosen and stretch painful muscles, reduce stress and improve circulation.

It also reduces anxiety, helps lower blood pressure, protects joints, and builds strength and balance. Yoga has been shown to improve overall health, prevent and — even in some cases — reverse disease when practiced regularly as a lifestyle.

Ear acupuncture has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, increase energy and improve mood and outlook. This group takes place each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

There is no cost to participate in the programs that the senior center offers. One just has to be 50 or over.

Please join the senior for one or all of these beneficial programs and experience a healthier 2020. 

The Alamosa Seniors are partnering with Falcon Tours to offer a fabulous nine-day trip to Hawaii from Oct. 27 -Nov.  4.

The group will be taking a journey to the islands of Maui, Kauai and Oahu.

There are flyers available at the office or feel free to give the center a call for more information.

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether one is a member or not. Please stop by and join in.

All classes are free unless otherwise noted. If one has suggestions for a new class or group, please let  the center know and be sure to call with any questions or concerns.

w Billiards play.

w Coffee social hour at 8:30 a.m.

w Puzzle construction.

w M, W, F Strong Bones at 9:30 a.m. Participants enjoy many health benefits such as; improved bone density, reduction of falls, improved flexibility and increased strength. One is welcome to join at any time.

w Dime Bingo, Monday-Thursdays from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Free to members, $2 fee for non-members.

w Bridge play takes place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.

w Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am.

w Free five-point ear acupuncture conducted by Rick Wertz each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for veterans and seniors 50 and over. Those who participate note less stress and anxiety,and better sleep.

w Sewing Group (includes knitting, crocheting, quilting — and anything one wants to work on — meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg — come and learn if one isn’t familiar with the game — group at 1 p.m.

w Art class with Rosi Myers meets on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Each class will offer something new. One may join in at any time. Everyone is an artist, so drop by and have fun being creative.

w Dominoes - Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

w Daily transportation is available for seniors 60 and over within Alamosa City limits between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please call ahead at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a ride for doctor visits, grocery shopping, dining and participating in events at the center, etc. Transportation is limited to passengers with a permanent residence. We do not transport to or from shelters, hotels, treatment centers.

If one is not yet a member, please consider joining.  Seniors age 50 and over are eligible for membership.

Regular annual membership is $30 per person or for an ambassador membership $100 per person.

Members receive a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events, timely information, challenging activities and lunch menu.

The Alamosa Senior Center is located at 92 Colorado Ave. in Alamosa, adjacent to Cole Park.

Hours of operation are: M-Th 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, contact 719-589-3277.