RED BUD, Ill. – Older adults in the community will have the opportunity to build strength, confidence, and resilience this spring through Strong and Steady: Tai Chi and Wellness Education for Healthy Aging, an eight‑week program offered by Illinois Extension. The series combines evidence‑based Tai Chi instruction with weekly wellness education sessions designed to support healthy aging.
Each week features Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, a program developed by Dr. Paul Lam and recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for its effectiveness in reducing falls among older adults. Participants will also take part in Eat and Educate, a lunchtime learning series that explores strategies for nutrition, stress management, social connection, and overall well‑being.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention:
Tai Chi classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m., April 14 through June 4, at Southwestern Illinois College – Red Bud Campus, 500 W S 4th St, Red Bud, IL. There will be no classes on April 28 or June 2, and make‑up dates will be scheduled.
Participants are encouraged to attend at least 14 of the 16 sessions to gain the full benefit of the program. Because new forms are introduced each week, registration closes after the second class. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear; slides and sandals are not permitted. Register at go.illinois.edu/StrongSteady
Eat and Educate: Weekly Wellness Lunch Sessions:
Eat and Educate sessions will take place every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., April 16 through June 4, at the same location. Lunches will be available for purchase by cash or check, and participants must indicate their lunch request during weekly registration.
Extension Educators Robin Ridgley and Kris Juelfs will lead discussions on topics related to healthy aging, including nutrition, arthritis management, stress reduction, social connection, and practical life skills. Register at go.illinois.edu/StrongSteady.
Eat and Educate Schedule:
April 16 – Dimensions of Wellness (Kris Juelfs): An introduction to the seven dimensions of wellness and how they support balance and independence.
April 23 – Navigating Change as We Age (Robin Ridgley): Understanding life changes and adopting a mindset that supports well‑being.
April 30 – Let’s Talk About Stress! (Robin Ridgley): Recognizing stress, exploring its effects, and practicing stress‑management tools.
May 7 – Eating Well as You Age (Kris Juelfs): Nutrition strategies to support heart, bone, digestive, and immune health.
May 14 – Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections (Robin Ridgley): Understanding isolation and loneliness and learning ways to stay connected.
May 21 – Living with Arthritis (Kris Juelfs): Lifestyle approaches to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
May 28 – Cooking for 1 or 2 (Kris Juelfs): Tips for simple, healthy meals and smart shopping for smaller households.
June 4 – Hold That Thought (Robin Ridgley): Understanding memory processes and strategies for managing everyday forgetfulness.
Participant Safety:
Participants should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program. By enrolling, individuals acknowledge the inherent risks of physical activity and agree to assume responsibility for personal injury. Participants also agree to release and indemnify the University of Illinois and its agents from any related claims. If any portion of this release is deemed invalid, the remainder will remain in effect.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.