Wellness

Welcome to a vibrant lineup of wellness, learning, and community activities designed to inspire and energize. This season offers something for everyone, from exploring the wonders of America’s unknown superfruit to hands-on ISU Extension classes. Connect on a deeper level with animals through our “Communicate with Horses” and “Silver Saddles” sessions or keep active with programs like Balance, Bingocize, Chair Yoga and Stretch and Flex. Prioritize your health with expert-led discussions on Medicare, sleep and brain health with Dr. Frank O’Neill, and eye care with Dr. Justin Kuiper. Whether you’re here to move, learn, or simply have fun, these activities will keep your mind and body in motion—because wellness is a journey best shared.

America's Unknown Superfruit: The Aronia Berry

Aronia berries are native to North America and were used by Native Americans for centuries to treat colds and flu and preserve meats.

Balance

Welcome to our 30-minute Fall Prevention Balance Class, specifically designed to help seniors improve stability and confidence, and reduce the risk of falls.

Bingocize®: Play, Move, and Win!

Ready to shake up your routine? Join us for BINGOCIZE® - a 10-week health and wellness program that puts a playful twist on exercise and fall prevention.

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a practice made up of simple exercises to help strengthen and stretch your body, focus your mind, and tap into your breath. It is great for seniors, those with physical limitations, or anyone who finds traditional yoga poses challenging.

Communicate with Horses

When you see horses standing in a pasture or running across a field, does your heart beat a little faster? Do you long to touch them and understand them? Whether you have grown up with horses or admired them from afar, this course will help you understand them and become a part of their world.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Learn more about identifying common culinary herbs, using them while cooking to increase flavor, substituting dried herbs with fresh herbs, and preserving herbs by freezing or drying.

Exercise Your Indepencence

Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. Learn tips to stay active when you are busy and strategies to fit physical activity into a busy schedule.

Feast on Fruits and Vegetables

Join Korissa Lassen, Nutrition and Wellness Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, to learn about easy ways to prepare produce to get your fill each day.

Final Arrangements

Get information about funeral and burial options, costs, and related Iowa laws with Carol Ehlers, Human Sciences Specialist in Family Finance with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Gardening with Herbs

 Enjoy hands-on demonstrations and take home a starter kit with seedlings and pots to kick off your herb garden.

Meet Ophthalmologist Dr. Justin Kuiper

Dr. Kuiper manages a wide variety of medical and surgical eye problems including cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and minor oculoplastics.

Planning Ahead for Future Care

Planning now allows you to make decisions about future care that are based on your wishes. Learn about the basics of future care planning and preparing for medical appointments/events.

Power Up With Protein

Protein in meals and snacks will give you energy and keep you full. Learn more about food sources of protein and how to include them in your diet.

Silver Saddles

The PATH certified staff at STARS has created a program designed for Lifelong Learning members over 50 who want to connect or reconnect with horses and get some exercise.

Sleep and Brain Health

Did you know that sleep is a critical component of your brain health? Learn the science behind healthy sleep habits that will help you get the sleep of your dreams.

Smooth Sailing Through Medicare for New Beneficiaries

Medicare is a complex system that can quickly overwhelm its beneficiaries. Chris Kuchta will give a lively overview of Medicare to help clear the murky water of Parts A, B, C, and D.

Spot, Stop, and Avoid Fraud

Learn about common scams, warning signs, and how to take action. Protect yourself against theft of money, property, or belongings.

Stretch and Flex

Have fun working out in a healthy way. This program includes stretching and weightlifting to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health.

Succulent Propagation

In this hands-on session, you'll discover propagation techniques, the best soil mixes, and care tips to ensure your new plants thrive.

Yoga

Dr. Rhonda Briggs, a 500RYT certified instructor and Reiki Master, will show how yoga fits into modern life and benefits anyone willing to try it.